A significant tragedy took place in a restaurant-cum-nightclub in Arpora, Goa, with a midnight blast leading to chaos. The fire rapidly engulfed the area, leaving no time for escape as the flames took control. The event was catastrophic, with 25 people losing their lives, primarily due to suffocation as smoke filled the basement. Local MLA Michael Lobo expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling for a comprehensive safety audit of all clubs.
The tragic disaster occurred at the Birch by Romeo Lane club in Arpora village. Within seconds, a kitchen explosion led to a fire that spread across the room and rapidly filled the basement with smoke.
People fled to the basement seeking safety
The basement was crowded with employees when the fire broke out. Witnesses report panic ensued, and rather than escaping outside, many rushed to the basement, only to be trapped in a cloud of smoke.
Out of the 25 fatalities, 20 were due to suffocation, while three bodies were found severely burnt. Subsequently, two more casualties were confirmed, bringing the total to 25. Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, described the day as 'extremely painful' for the state and initiated an investigation into the tragedy.
A fire safety audit is imminent
Local MLA Michael Lobo stated such negligence wouldn't be tolerated again, demanding a fire safety audit for all state clubs. Lobo mentioned some victims were tourists, but most were locals working in the club's basement.
Upon visiting the site, Chief Minister Sawant informed reporters that out of the 23 deceased, three died from burns, while the others succumbed to smoke inhalation. Initial findings indicate the nightclub did not comply with fire safety regulations.
Goa's DGP, Alok Kumar, confirmed that the death toll now stands at 25, including four tourists and 14 club staff. The blaze injured seven people, who are receiving medical treatment. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and a detailed investigation by police and fire departments is underway. Legal actions are also being initiated since most deaths were attributed to smoke inhalation.
Fire alerts reached the police control room at 12:04 AM, prompting immediate dispatch of police, fire brigade, and ambulance services. A grueling rescue operation ultimately retrieved all bodies, which were sent to Bambolim’s government medical college.
In the preliminary investigation, it appears the club lacked adequate fire safety measures, with the explosion being the likely cause of the fire. The authorities have signaled potential strict actions against the club management.
This famous party venue, about 25 kilometers from Goa’s capital, Panaji, was inaugurated last year.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's statement
'The incident is highly unfortunate for a tourist state like Goa. The blaze resulted from those running such activities unlawfully. The government has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover the fire's exact causes and will impose the harshest penalties under the law against those found guilty. Among the deceased are primarily the club's kitchen staff, including three women, and three to four were tourists.'
BJP MLA Michael Lobo's insights
'I am deeply distressed by this tragedy. The incident claimed 23 lives, including three women and 20 men. While some were tourists, most were locals employed in the basement restaurant. It is imperative for us to audit the safety of all clubs in Goa. Such fire incidents are extremely concerning, and the safety of tourists and staff at these establishments is crucial. Most victims died of suffocation while attempting to flee the basement. Notices will be issued to all nightclubs requiring them to demonstrate fire safety compliances. Clubs without necessary permits will have their licenses revoked.'
Goa DGP Alok Kumar's report
'An unfortunate event occurred at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora. Fire reports reached the police control room at 12:04 AM, after which police, fire brigade, and ambulances were immediately dispatched to the scene. The fire has been contained, and all bodies have been recovered. The death toll is 23. The police will investigate the incident's causes and act based on their findings.'
