North Goa Nightclub Fire News: A massive fire caused by a gas cylinder explosion at a popular nightclub in Arpora late Saturday night killed 23 people. Most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation, not burns.
The incident occurred around 1 AM when a loud explosion suddenly rocked the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. According to police and eyewitnesses, the explosion originated from a commercial gas cylinder located near the kitchen. The fire quickly spread throughout the club. At the time, the club was preparing to close, and most of the staff were cleaning the kitchen.
North Goa Nightclub Fire: Among those killed were 14 staff members and 4 tourists; the remaining victims are yet to be identified.
According to the latest statement from the Goa Police, 23 deaths have been confirmed so far. These include 14 club employees, among them three women. Four tourists have also died, while seven bodies are yet to be identified. Six people are injured, one of whom is in critical condition – having suffered burns over 60 percent of their body.
Only two died from burns, the rest died from suffocation.
Initial investigations by the police and forensic team revealed that only two people died as a result of burns. The remaining 21 people suffocated from smoke inhalation and died on the spot. Emergency exits inside the club were limited, and the explosion was so powerful that no one had a chance to escape.
The Chief Minister has ordered an investigation, and the club has been sealed.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site on Sunday morning to assess the situation. He has ordered a magisterial inquiry. The club has been completely sealed. A rigorous investigation has begun, questioning the owners and managers about fire safety, gas connections, and emergency exits.
The Prime Minister announced a compensation of 2 lakh rupees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He spoke to the Chief Minister and assured him of all possible assistance. An ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured.
Fire safety checks have begun at nightclubs throughout North Goa.
Following the incident, the authorities have taken action. Local MLA Michael Lobo stated that all nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in the entire area will undergo an immediate fire safety audit. Those without a valid fire safety certificate will have their licenses revoked.
The rescue operation has now been completed. All the bodies have been recovered and sent to Goa Medical College for post-mortem examination. The forensic team has collected samples from the site, and the exact cause will be revealed soon.
Note: This report is based on various government statements, police sources, and eyewitness accounts. The number of deaths and other figures may change slightly as the investigation is still ongoing.