Victims Found Near Kitchen Area
According to Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar, the blaze was concentrated around the club’s kitchen on the ground floor. Early inspection revealed that most bodies were discovered in that vicinity, suggesting that many victims were staff members who were unable to escape in time.
“The fire occurred around midnight and has now been brought under control,” Kumar told reporters. He added that the preliminary assessment points to a gas cylinder explosion as the likely trigger.
The club identified by local media as “Birch by Romeo Lane” near Baga Beach is located within one of Goa’s busiest nightlife corridors, known for its dense cluster of bars, restaurants, and dance venues that draw thousands of partygoers every weekend.
Eyewitnesses Describe Panic and Chaos
Witnesses at the scene recounted moments of confusion and fear. A nearby chef told the BBC that he personally knew several staff members working at the nightclub. “People from across India and Nepal work in Goa’s nightlife industry. I am worried because many of my friends’ phones are switched off,” he said.
Another eyewitness, who was standing outside the building at the time, said he heard screams before seeing flames shoot out from the structure. “It was a normal Saturday night. Suddenly there was shouting, and then the fire broke out. It spread too fast. Nobody could do much,” he recalled.
Government Promises Strict Action
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site early Sunday morning, where he confirmed that three victims died due to burn injuries and the others from suffocation caused by smoke inhalation. He also stated that the victims included “three to four” tourists, though their identities are still being verified.
Sawant announced a formal inquiry into the tragedy and said that anyone found guilty of negligence will face severe legal action. “Any lapse, whether in safety protocols or operational standards, will be dealt with firmly,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on social media, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and offered prayers for the families affected.
Rescue Work and Forensic Examination Underway
Rescue teams and forensic experts are examining debris, melted furniture, and burned structural components to determine how the fire spread so quickly. A heavy police presence remains at the site as investigators prevent entry into the building for safety reasons.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to Goa Medical College in Panaji for formal identification. Authorities say the process may take time due to the severity of the burns in several cases.
Deadly Fires Increasing in India’s Entertainment Venues
India has witnessed several similar tragedies in recent years. A May 2025 fire in Hyderabad claimed 17 lives, while a hotel blaze in Kolkata earlier in the year killed 15. In 2024, 24 people died in a Gujarat amusement centre after a temporary entrance structure collapsed, trapping visitors and preventing evacuation.
Officials say these recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for stronger safety enforcement at public entertainment venues across the country.
