A deadly fire engulfed a popular nightclub in India's coastal state of Goa early Sunday, killing 25 people and injuring six others. The blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora village – located 16 kilometers northwest of Panaji – marks one of the worst tragedies in the region's recent history.
Goa Police confirmed four tourists were among the victims, along with 14 staff members. Seven bodies remain unidentified as of Sunday morning. Witnesses described flames rapidly consuming the building following a suspected liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder explosion near the kitchen area.
"Rescue operations continued through the night," said Police Chief Alok Kumar, noting emergency teams responded immediately to distress calls. Local lawmaker Michael Lobo revealed most victims succumbed to suffocation while attempting to flee toward the basement.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of ₹200,000 ($2,223) for victims' families and ₹50,000 ($556) for injured survivors through the PM National Relief Fund. President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences via social media, calling the incident "heart-rending."
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a full investigation, vowing: "Those found responsible will face stringent action." Forensic teams and fire safety experts are working to determine the exact cause of the blaze as authorities focus on victim identification and family notifications.
