Goa fire incident: At least 25 dead in cylinder blast at Arpora nightclub; CM orders detailed probe

At least 25 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a nightclub in North Goa late Saturday night following a cylinder blast, reported ANI.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said most of the victims were kitchen staff at the club, including three women. “Three to four tourists” were also among the dead, he said, adding that while three persons succumbed to burn injuries, the rest died due to suffocation.

"A massive fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in 25 deaths, out of whom 4 confirmed to be tourists, 14 were staff members and identity of 7 is yet to be established. Six persons are injured and their treatment going on. Cause of fire is yet to ascertained. Police and fire department investigation is in progress. Legal action is being taken," ANI quoted Goa Police as saying.


Sawant said preliminary information suggested that the nightclub had not complied with fire safety norms. The blaze erupted at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora shortly after midnight. The nightclub, a popular party destination around 25 km from Panaji, opened last year.

Also Read: Fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa

“We will take action against the club management and officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms,” Sawant said, calling it an “unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season.” He added that a detailed inquiry would be conducted and stringent action would follow.

Goa DGP Alok Kumar told PTI that the fire was triggered by a cylinder explosion. Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo said all bodies were recovered and sent to the government medical college in Bambolim.

Firefighters and police teams reached the spot immediately and carried out rescue operations through the night, Lobo told reporters. He added that officials would carry out fire safety audits of all clubs to prevent similar incidents.

According to Lobo, the Calangute panchayat will issue notices to all nightclubs on Monday, seeking fire safety clearances. Licences of establishments lacking the required permissions will be cancelled, he said.

(With inputs from agencies)