A devastating fire broke out just after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, claiming 25 lives and leaving the state reeling from one of its worst nightlife tragedies in recent memory. Twenty staff members and five tourists perished in the blaze that erupted during a crowded “Bollywood Banger Night”, with viral video footage showing flames suddenly erupting from the ceiling moments after indoor fireworks were ignited during a performance of the iconic track “Mehbooba Mehbooba”. The rapid spread of the fire turned the venue into an inferno within minutes, trapping many inside despite desperate attempts to escape.
Mumbai-based DJ Mita Nikki, known as DJ Nicky, who was scheduled to perform that night, revealed she was still en route when the disaster unfolded. In an Instagram post on Sunday morning, she wrote, “This incident happened on the way, before I could reach Birch Goa last night. Still shaken and heartbroken thinking about what happened.” Expressing profound grief, she added prayers for the deceased and speedy recovery for the injured, while thousands of followers flooded her post with messages of relief that she had been spared.
Preliminary investigations strongly indicate that the indoor pyrotechnics display triggered the fire, with flames racing across highly flammable ceiling decorations and roofing material. Authorities have confirmed the club was operating without valid fire-safety clearance from the state fire department and lacked adequate emergency exits, factors that severely hampered evacuation. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family, while police have registered a case of culpable homicide against the owners and organisers.
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The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Goa’s tourism and nightlife industries, already under scrutiny for lax safety standards during the peak December season. Located roughly 25 kilometres north of Panaji, Arpora is a well-known party hub attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors nightly. Tourism stakeholders fear reputational damage, with some venues voluntarily suspending pyrotechnic displays and several announcing temporary closures for safety audits.
Survivors and witnesses have described scenes of chaos as thick black smoke filled the enclosed space, with many overcome while searching for exits. Rescue operations continued into Sunday morning, involving multiple fire tenders from nearby Calangute and Mapusa stations. Hospitals in Panaji and Mapusa are treating over a dozen injured for severe burns and smoke inhalation, several in critical condition.
As mourning families begin the grim process of identification and last rites, Goa’s government has vowed sweeping inspections of all nightclubs and event spaces statewide. The incident echoes previous nightclub disasters worldwide and serves as a grim reminder of the lethal risks posed by indoor fireworks and non-compliance with fire norms. For now, the festive spirit that defines Goa in December has been replaced by collective grief and urgent calls for accountability to prevent such horrors from ever recurring.
Also Read: Owner of Birch by Romeo Lane, Saurabh Luthra, Identified Following Deadly Fire in Goa