'Narrow lane...jam-packed dance floor': Why many couldn't escape Goa fire
What's the story
A devastating fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Arpora village, North Goa, killing at least 25 people. The blaze erupted after midnight on Sunday and quickly engulfed the entire structure. Most of the victims were kitchen staff members of the club, including three women. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that "three to four tourists" also lost their lives in the incident.
Eyewitness account
Eyewitness describes panic and confusion during nightclub fire
According to an eyewitness, at least 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire broke out. In an attempt to escape, some of them fled downstairs to the kitchen, where they became trapped together with the staff. Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad who was present at the club, told PTI, "There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames."
Witness
Club was jam-packed
She added the nightclub was jam-packed, as it was the weekend, and the club was hosting a 'Bollywood Banger Night.' On top of it, there was a "temporary construction made up of palm leaves which easily caught fire," she said. The nightclub is located in the backwaters of the Arpora river, with a tight entrance and exit. Because of the small lanes, fire brigades were unable to reach the club, and their tankers were forced to park approximately 400m away.
Safety concerns
Fire safety norms violated at Goa nightclub
A senior officer from the Fire and Emergency Services told PTI that the majority of the deaths were caused by suffocation. "Many who moved towards the underground area died due to suffocation because there was no proper ventilation," Sawant said. Authorities later confirmed that the club was operating without valid permissions and had violated fire safety norms. The club was run by Saurav Luthra, who was in a dispute with his partner.
Safety audits
Local authorities to conduct fire safety audits
"There was a dispute between them (partners) and they had filed a complaint against each other with the panchayat," Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar said. Earlier, a demolition notice had been issued against the establishment but stayed by officials from the directorate of panchayats. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo announced that all nightclubs in the area would undergo a fire safety audit from Monday. Notices will be issued to clubs lacking necessary permissions, with licenses of non-compliant establishments set for cancellation.
CM
Inquiry ordered
Chief Minister Sawant has also announced an inquiry into the incident and promised strict action against those responsible for violating fire safety norms. Sawant said both the management and officials who allowed the club to operate without proper permissions would face consequences. 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 for kin of deceased victims and ₹50,000 for injured persons.