25 killed, 50 injured in Goa nightclub fire
New Delhi, Dec 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the deaths in a devastating fire at a popular nightclub in Arpora, Goa, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
He said he had spoken to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and assured that the State government was providing all necessary assistance.
“The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after midnight, when a massive blaze ripped through Birch By Romeo Lane, a nightclub in Arpora.
At least 25 people, including three women, were killed and more than 50 others were injured. Most of the victims were staff members working inside the club, while a few tourists were also among those affected. Initial investigations suggest that a cylinder explosion triggered the fire.
Officials said three victims died of burn injuries, while the rest succumbed to severe suffocation as thick smoke quickly engulfed the enclosed basement area where many were trapped.
Media reported that emergency responders received the first distress call at 12:04 am.
Police, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the site and worked through the night to rescue survivors, recover bodies and shift the injured to nearby hospitals.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the scene and described it as “a tragic day for Goa.” He ordered a detailed probe into the incident, including possible violations of fire safety norms. Strict action, he said, would be taken against the club’s management and any officials found responsible for allowing operations without mandatory safeguards.
Residents living near the venue said they heard a loud blast before seeing smoke and chaos unfold, with ambulances and fire engines rushing in as the structure burned.
Authorities are continuing investigations while rescue teams search the site for any additional victims.
