Overview
- Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed 25 dead and six injured in stable condition, with all bodies recovered from the Birch By Romeo Lane venue in Arpora.
- Most victims were kitchen workers, while three to four tourists are among the dead, according to state officials and local police.
- Preliminary accounts say the blaze began after a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen, and officials reported the fire was brought under control within about half an hour.
- Fire services say the club lacked a required No Objection Certificate and breached safety rules, and a previously issued demolition notice was reportedly revoked by higher officials.
- Restricted access and a single narrow exit forced fire trucks to park roughly 400 meters away, slowing the response; the state ordered audits and vowed strict action as the Prime Minister’s Office announced Rs 200,000 for next of kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured.