As authorities recover more bodies from the gutted Arpora nightclub, questions mount over what truly sparked the fire. Witnesses claim the blaze began on the dance floor, contradicting early police statements.
BY PC Bureau
December 7, 2025: The death toll from the catastrophic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, has risen to 25, with police confirming that two additional bodies were recovered from a staircase during continued search operations. Goa DGP Alok Kumar said the dead include four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of seven other victims are still undergoing verification.
More than 50 people were injured, six of them currently stable and receiving treatment at nearby hospitals for smoke inhalation and burn injuries.
𝗚𝗼𝗮 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝟮𝟱 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲.
The club ignored fire-safety norms, skipped compliances, and still kept operating—until tragedy did what paperwork couldn’t.#Goa #FireAccident pic.twitter.com/ublE73qxES
— Modern Mazdoor (@ModernMazdoor) December 7, 2025
Eyewitnesses Suggest Blaze Started on Dance Floor
Emerging eyewitness accounts now suggest that the fire may have ignited on the first-floor dance floor amid a crowd of tourists, contradicting earlier claims that a kitchen cylinder explosion alone triggered the blaze. The conflicting narratives have prompted investigators to order a deeper forensic examination to determine the precise cause.
The inferno broke out shortly after midnight on the intervening night of December 6–7, rapidly engulfing the multi-level structure. Videos circulating on X show flames spreading within seconds, thick smoke filling the club, and panicked patrons trying to escape.
Most of the deaths were due to suffocation, primarily in the basement kitchen where 14 staff members— including three women — were trapped due to narrow exits and inadequate ventilation.
The club, which opened last year and is owned by Saurav Luthra (reportedly amid an ongoing partner dispute), has been sealed for investigation.
Government Response and Inquiry
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site overnight, called it a “very painful day” for the tourism-driven state. He ordered a magisterial inquiry into the exact cause of the fire and announced a statewide audit of fire-safety compliance across nightclubs and restaurants.
“Primary information indicates the nightclub had not followed fire-safety norms. We will take stringent action against the management and officials who allowed it to operate illegally,” Sawant said.
🚨 BIG Tragedy in North Goa
A cylinder BLAST at a club has left 25 people charred to death, including tourists 💔
— Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/jQqNLwPqoa
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 7, 2025
Police have registered an FIR for culpable homicide and begun questioning the club’s owners and staff. A detailed fire department report is expected within 48 hours.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said rescue operations were complete and relief measures underway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after speaking with the Chief Minister, announced ₹2 lakh compensation from the PMNRF for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed “deep pain” over the loss of lives, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also called for stricter safety measures.
Victim Breakdown and Eyewitness Insights
| Category | Number | Details |
| Total Deceased | 25 | 22 men, 3 women; majority died due to suffocation |
| Tourists | 4 | Identities pending; reportedly on the dance floor |
| Staff | 14 | Including 3 women; trapped in basement kitchen |
| Unidentified | 7 | DNA tests underway |
| Injured | 50+ | Treated for smoke inhalation and burns; 6 critical earlier |
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Eyewitnesses described hearing a sudden explosion around 1 a.m. as the club filled up for a DJ event.
“Flames spread in seconds… People ran toward the basement, but smoke choked everything,” a gatekeeper recalled.
Social media posts highlighted public anger and demands for accountability, with users questioning the effectiveness of fire inspections and emergency response.
Implications for Goa’s Tourism Industry
Local MLA Michael Lobo urged a statewide safety audit beginning Monday, warning that licenses of non-compliant establishments would be cancelled. The Calangute panchayat has also planned notices to all clubs for verification of fire NOCs.
With nightlife contributing over 15% of Goa’s GDP, the tragedy—occurring during peak tourist season—has renewed calls for mandatory sprinklers, wider exits, functional alarms, and regular evacuation drills.
“As families await post-mortems and compensation, the focus must shift to prevention. Goa must remain a safe haven, not a tragedy zone,” Lobo said.
