In the early hours of Saturday, December 6, 2025, a devastating fire tore through Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Arpora village, North Goa. Flames engulfed the venue in seconds, trapping partygoers and staff inside.
Goa Police report the blaze killed 25 people—including four tourists—and injured six. Preliminary investigations suggest an LPG cylinder exploded near the kitchen area, triggering the inferno. As of December 7, authorities are still probing the exact cause.
"Our teams, alongside the fire brigade and ambulances, rushed to the scene after the distress call," said Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar. Rescue operations continued through the night, focusing on identifying victims and notifying families.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief and announced ex-gratia payments from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund: INR 200,000 for each deceased and INR 50,000 for the injured.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a formal inquiry. "Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law," he said, vowing firm measures against any negligence.
This tragedy highlights urgent questions about safety standards in nightlife venues, especially in top tourist hotspots. For travelers and local communities alike, the incident is a sobering reminder of the need for robust emergency protocols and building inspections.
The global travel community is watching closely as Goa, a hub for digital nomads and young tourists, grapples with the aftermath. As investigations unfold, stakeholders from across the hospitality and events sectors will be looking for lessons to prevent such disasters in the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
