At least 23 people, including three women and several tourists, died in a massive fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora village late on Saturday night, following a gas cylinder explosion in the kitchen area.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the blaze broke out around midnight at the Birch by Romeo Lane club near Baga Beach, trapping mostly kitchen staff inside. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site, stated that three victims succumbed to burn injuries while the others died from suffocation. “Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people,” Sawant said.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that all bodies were recovered and sent to the Government Medical College in Bambolim for post-mortem. Fire tenders and ambulances rushed to the scene, and the blaze was brought under control by early Sunday morning. Police believe the club violated fire safety norms, and an inquiry has been ordered to probe the cause and any negligence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and assuring all possible assistance. BJP MLA Michael Lobo called for a safety audit of all nightclubs in the state. Rescue operations continue, with no further casualties reported as of Sunday morning.
The Chenab Times News Desk