At least 25 dead as fire tears through Indian restaurant-club

GOA: A late-night blaze ripped through a popular restaurant-club in Arpora on Sunday, killing at least 25 people in what officials are calling one of North Goa’s deadliest fire tragedies in recent years. Among the dead were four tourists and 14 staff members of the club, police confirmed, while the identities of seven victims remain unknown.

The fire, which erupted just after midnight at the upscale venue Birch by Romeo Lane, sent shockwaves through the state’s hospitality sector. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as the building was rapidly engulfed in flames. Some patrons claimed they heard what sounded like a cylinder blast moments before the fire spread, though authorities have not established an official cause.

Emergency teams, including police, fire services, and ambulances, raced to the scene as the club burned. Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, finally bringing it under control and retrieving all bodies from the charred structure. At least six survivors are being treated in nearby hospitals for burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Goa Police told ANI that forensic samples have been collected to determine what triggered the blaze. “Investigations by the police and fire department are underway. Legal action is being taken,” officials said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also extended condolences to the families of deceased.

Goa’s Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, confirmed that the control room received the first distress call at 12:04 AM local time. “Police, fire brigade, and ambulances were rushed immediately. The total death count stands at 25. The cause is being thoroughly investigated,” he said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep shock, calling the disaster “a serious setback for a tourism-driven state like Goa.” In a strongly worded statement on X, he suggested that illegal operations may have played a role. “Those responsible will face the most stringent action under the law,” he said, announcing a full inquiry into the circumstances behind the blaze.

Authorities said medical teams are working around the clock to treat the injured, while support is being extended to the families of the deceased.