Overview
- The overnight fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane club in Arpora left 25 dead and six injured, with most victims identified as employees and three to four confirmed as tourists.
- Investigators are examining whether an indoor fire display ignited wooden elements or a gas-cylinder explosion in the kitchen triggered the blaze.
- Fire officials reported rapid smoke spread through the building and difficult access for engines that had to park hundreds of meters away.
- Goa’s chief minister vowed legal accountability and broader inspections of similar venues as authorities secure evidence at the site.
- Later reports said police detained a local official and the club manager, issued warrants for two owners, and shut another venue linked to the operator.