🔴 On the night of December 6, 2025, a massive fire ripped through Birch by Romeo Lane, a trendy nightclub in Arpora, Goa, sending shockwaves across the state. The flames engulfed the venue within seconds, tragically killing 25 people — four tourists, 14 staff members, and seven others whose identities are still being confirmed. Six more were injured and are now receiving medical care.
🚒 Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar says emergency squads, including police, firefighters and ambulances, raced to the scene after the distress call. Witnesses described a powerful blast that may have been caused by an LPG cylinder explosion near the kitchen 🔥.
💔 President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express their grief and offer condolences. Modi also announced that each deceased’s next of kin will receive INR 200,000 (about $2,224) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, while the injured will get INR 50,000 (about $556).
🔍 Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called it a 'painful incident' and ordered a full inquiry, warning that anyone found negligent will face strict legal action. Lawmaker Michael Lobo added that many victims may have died from suffocation after rushing toward the basement during the chaos.
As the community reels from this loss, rescue teams continue identifying victims and supporting their families. The investigation into the exact cause of the blaze is still underway.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
