Panaji, December 2025 (FNO):
The devastating fire that ripped through Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing 25 people, was not a sudden tragedy but the final result of systemic negligence, regulatory blindness, and blatant safety violations spanning months. Investigations now reveal a chilling sequence of ignored warnings, illegal operations, and official lapses that transformed a festive night into one of Goa’s deadliest fire disasters.

The club was constructed during 2023–24 without a valid construction licence. Despite clear rules, no Fire Department No Objection Certificate (NOC) was ever obtained. Even after violations were flagged by the local panchayat, operations were allowed to continue. A demolition order issued earlier this year was later stayed, allegedly through higher administrative intervention.

Inside, the club was designed using highly flammable materials such as bamboo, rattan, wooden panels and thatched décor - turning the venue into what officials now describe as a “tinderbox”.

On the night of December 6, the club hosted a high-energy weekend party with a packed crowd. Around 11:45 pm, indoor pyrotechnics or electric firecrackers were used during the event — a gross violation of safety norms in an enclosed space.

Minutes later, sparks ignited the flammable interior. By 12:10 am, thick smoke filled the premises. With no fire alarms, no sprinklers, no smoke ventilation system and no illuminated exit signage, panic broke out. The club had only one narrow exit, which immediately became a deadly bottleneck.

Dozens tried to escape, but many, especially kitchen and basement staff, were trapped with no emergency exit routes. Most victims died of suffocation due to smoke inhalation before help could reach them.

Emergency calls were made shortly after midnight, but rescue operations faced serious obstacles. The club’s location on narrow access roads meant fire engines could not reach directly and had to operate from nearly 400 metres away using extended hoses. By dawn, the nightclub was completely gutted.

By morning, authorities confirmed 25 deaths , 20 were staff members from different Indian states and five were tourists, including four members of a single family from Delhi. Several others were hospitalized with serious injuries.

Criminal Case and Arrests

An FIR was registered under serious sections including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal negligence, and acts endangering life. Four key members of the club’s management — including the general manager, bar manager and gate supervisor, were arrested within 48 hours.

Arrest warrants have been issued against the club’s owners, who were initially absconding. Meanwhile, multiple officials involved in licensing and enforcement have been suspended pending inquiry.

Systemic Failure Exposed

The unfolding investigation points to a complete collapse of the safety enforcement system:

• No fire safety licence
• Illegal construction
• Flammable interiors
• Indoor fireworks
• No emergency exits
• No safety equipment
• Blocked rescue access
• Demolition order stayed
• Continuous operations despite violations

Authorities have now admitted that had even one major safety norm been enforced on time, dozens of lives could have been saved.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered, and a state-wide audit of all nightclubs and entertainment venues is underway. The Goa government has announced compensation for victims’ families, but public anger continues to mount.

Families of the deceased are demanding not only arrests but long-term accountability of officials, stricter club regulations, and criminal prosecution of those who allowed the illegal structure to operate.