A devastating fire at a popular nightclub in India’s coastal state of Goa has killed at least 25 people, including staff members and several tourists, according to local officials. The blaze broke out shortly after midnight on Saturday at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, located near one of Goa’s busiest beach areas.
Police believe the fire began after a gas cylinder exploded inside the club’s kitchen, causing flames to rapidly engulf the ground floor. Most of the bodies were found near the kitchen area, indicating that many of the victims were employees working at the time, said Goa’s Director General of Police Alok Kumar.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that three people died from burn injuries, while the remaining victims likely succumbed to suffocation. “Three to four” tourists are among the dead, though authorities have not yet released details about their identities or nationalities. Six injured individuals are being treated at a local hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.
The nightclub was hosting a Bollywood genre DJ night, drawing a large crowd of holidaymakers and local residents. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as screams erupted and thick smoke billowed from the building. “It was a usual Saturday night. Suddenly there were screams, and then we saw the fire spreading fast. The scenes were horrific,” a witness told the BBC.
Emergency responders continued to comb through the charred remains early Sunday, recovering bodies and searching for clues about the exact cause of the explosion. Melted furniture, equipment, and structural debris were visible as firefighters worked through the wreckage.
A heavy police presence has sealed off the area, and an inquiry has been launched to determine potential safety lapses. “Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law,” Chief Minister Sawant said. “Any negligence will be dealt with firmly.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy in a post on social media.
Goa, a former Portuguese colony known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, attracts millions of visitors each year. More than 5.5 million tourists visited the state in the first half of the year, including 270,000 foreign travelers.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of fatal fires at entertainment and hospitality venues across India. Earlier this year, 17 people died in a blaze in Hyderabad, and 15 perished in a hotel fire in Kolkata. In 2024, 24 people were killed at an amusement park arcade in Gujarat, where investigators later found severe safety violations.
Authorities in Goa have not yet released the names of the victims as identification efforts continue at Goa Medical College in Panaji.
