Fire Engulfs Goa Nightclub, Leaving 25 Dead Including Tourists

A devastating fire at a nightclub in Goa has resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, including four tourists. The incident occurred around midnight on March 4, 2024, at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular venue in Arpora village, approximately 25 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital. The fire was triggered by an explosion from a gas cylinder in the club’s kitchen.

Witnesses reported that around 100 people were dancing when the flames erupted. As chaos ensued, some patrons attempted to flee to the kitchen, only to find themselves trapped alongside the kitchen staff. An eyewitness recounted the harrowing scene: “I was outside the club when I heard screams. It became clear that a massive fire had broken out. Nobody could do much. The scenes were just horrific,” he stated.

Another tourist, Fatima Shaikh, described the moment of panic, recalling, “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.”

An employee from a nearby establishment expressed concern for colleagues who were in the club during the fire, stating, “I am really worried about some people whom I knew at the club. Their phones are off.”

Investigation and Safety Concerns

Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, announced that preliminary investigations suggested the nightclub had failed to adhere to fire safety regulations. He pledged to initiate an inquiry into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

In the aftermath, Michael Lobo, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, advocated for a comprehensive safety audit of all clubs in Goa. “Tourists have always considered Goa a very safe destination, but the fire incident is very disturbing, and such incidents should not happen in the future,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, labeling it deeply saddening. He assured that the state government is providing all possible assistance to those affected. In a show of support, he announced a compensation of ₹200,000 (approximately €1,910) for the families of each victim.

The tragedy has raised significant concerns regarding safety measures in entertainment venues across Goa, a region renowned for its vibrant nightlife and tourist attractions. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on ensuring such incidents do not recur in the future.