23, including tourists, killed in massive fire at Goa nightclub
What's the story
A massive fire broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing 23 people, including three to four tourists, and injuring 50 others. The incident took place shortly after midnight on Sunday. Preliminary investigations suggested that the fire may have been caused by a cylinder blast near the kitchen area. However, this theory has been ruled out, as cylinders were found intact during inspections.
Casualty details
Victims include club staff and tourists
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site late at night, stated that the majority of the victims were kitchen staff, including three women, and that "three to four tourists" were also killed. Many died due to suffocation. According to preliminary findings, the nightclub did not comply with fire safety rules. "We will take action against both the club management and the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms," Sawant told reporters.
Twitter Post
Visuals of fire
❗️⚠️🇮🇳 - At Least 23 Dead in Nightclub Fire in Goa, India
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) December 7, 2025
A massive fire triggered by a gas cylinder explosion ripped through a nightclub in Arpora, Goa, late Friday night, killing at least 23 people and injuring several others. The blaze broke out around midnight, trapping… pic.twitter.com/9bUb2AzlzV
Investigation underway
Club's safety measures under scrutiny
Rescue operations continued throughout the night with multiple fire tenders deployed at the scene. The blaze was brought under control after nearly two hours of intense efforts. The nightclub has been sealed and the owners are being questioned. The probe will look into whether fire safety norms were followed at the club, including its gas connection systems and emergency exit plans. Sawant has ordered a full inquiry into this incident, calling it "a very painful day."
National response
President and PM express condolences
President Droupadi Murmu has also expressed her grief over the incident. She wrote on X, "Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives." Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "deeply saddening" and extended his condolences to those who lost their loved ones. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF for kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for injured persons.