A devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular restaurant and nightclub in Arpora, Goa, has left at least 25 people dead, according to state officials. The blaze broke out just before midnight during a crowded live performance that drew more than 100 guests to the multi-level venue.
Authorities say many of the victims were kitchen and service workers trapped in the basement area, where smoke rapidly accumulated. Several tourists were also among the dead, though identification efforts are ongoing.
Goa’s chief minister, Pramod Sawant, described the tragedy as “a very painful day for all of us in Goa,” adding that a full investigation has been ordered. “Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law,” he said.
How the Fire Unfolded
Early inquiries suggest the fire began on the first floor before sweeping through the building. Videos circulating on local media showed flames erupting behind the stage where musicians and a belly dancer had been performing.
A police official told the Indian Express that chaos erupted as guests rushed toward exits, but basement staff had no such path to safety. “The basement lacked an exit and was engulfed in smoke,” he said. Some panicked guests also ran downstairs, becoming trapped in the confined, airless space.
A preliminary police report confirmed that while the club had operating licenses, it lacked mandatory emergency exits—a critical failure that likely contributed to the high death toll.
Firefighters Worked Through the Night
Fire crews battled the blaze for hours, with images from the scene showing towering flames and the structure collapsing into a charred shell. By Sunday morning, investigators were sifting through debris as families awaited updates.
India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, called the tragedy “deeply saddening,” while local leaders, including Goa MLA Michael Lobo, urged immediate fire-safety audits across nightlife venues. “Tourists have always considered Goa a safe destination. This incident is extremely disturbing,” Lobo said.
A Wider Safety Crisis
The fire highlights India’s ongoing struggle with building safety and overcrowding. Similar deadly blazes in Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Gujarat this year have fueled criticism of lax enforcement and aging infrastructure.
Goa—known for its beach culture, nightlife, and heavy tourist influx—received 5.5 million visitors in the first half of the year. The tragedy raises urgent questions about whether the state’s booming hospitality sector is keeping pace with required safety standards.
As authorities continue their investigation, families, survivors, and business owners across Goa are left grappling with a painful reminder of the deadly consequences of overlooked safety measures.
