North Goa nightclub tragedy: Fire claims 25 lives; authorities issue emergency helplines and order probe

A devastating fire at a nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora shortly after midnight on Sunday claimed at least 25 lives and left six others injured, officials said. Police initially confirmed 23 deaths but later revised the toll after two more victims were found during rescue operations.

The blaze broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in the Arpora area. According to a police spokesperson, the deceased include four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of seven others are still being verified. The injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

Eyewitness describes panic inside the club

An eyewitness told PTI that around 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire began. As smoke spread rapidly, several individuals rushed downstairs toward the kitchen area, where many became trapped along with staff members working in the basement.

The fire is suspected to have been triggered by a cylinder explosion. Officials said three victims died due to burns, while the remaining succumbed to severe suffocation as the structure quickly filled with smoke.

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Emergency calls reached authorities at 12:04 AM. Police teams, firefighters and ambulances were immediately deployed to the site and worked through the night to retrieve bodies and assist the injured. The blaze was later brought under control.

In a post on X, President Murmu wrote, “Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Goa government issues emergency helplines

Following the tragedy, the Goa government issued multiple emergency helpline numbers to support families, tourists and residents seeking assistance or information.

ANI reported that the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority announced that the District Control Room at the North Goa Collectorate can be contacted at 0832-2225383. The Goa Police Control Room (North Goa) is operating at 7875756000 for urgent reports.

Dedicated officials have also been assigned to coordinate efforts at the district and sub-divisional levels:

Bardez-I: Varsha S. Parab – 8308014526

Bardez-II: Vasant Dabholkar – 7083234963

Tiswadi: Bhiku L. Gawas – 9421151048

Mamlatdar Offices:

Anant Rajaram Malik – 9637779277

Dattaprasad Toraskar – 9923882807

The state administration said these contacts are intended to ensure quicker coordination and clearer communication as families seek updates about loved ones.



Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site on Sunday morning, calling it a tragic day for the state. He directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential violations of safety norms by the nightclub.

Sawant said strict action will be taken against the club management and any officials found responsible for permitting operations without mandatory fire safety safeguards.

Residents living near the venue reported hearing a loud blast, followed by chaos and heavy smoke, as ambulances began arriving at the site.

PM announces relief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and spoke to the Chief Minister regarding ongoing relief efforts. He announced ex-gratia compensation of INR 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Goa DGP Alok Kumar confirmed that all bodies had been recovered and said the investigation will now focus on determining responsibility for the tragedy.

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