25 Dead in Goa Club Fire, Tourists and Staff Among Victims; PM Expresses Grief

Goa nightclub blast kills 25; PM, President express condolences.

At least 25 people died in a fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Baga, North Goa, in the early hours of Sunday, following a suspected cylinder explosion. The deceased include 14 staff members and four tourists, while seven victims are yet to be identified. Six people sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. Preliminary reports suggest the club had violated fire safety norms, prompting an investigation.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site, confirmed most victims were kitchen staff and promised strict action against the club management.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief. PM Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. BJP MLA Michael Lobo called for a safety audit of all Goa clubs, noting most deaths were due to suffocation in the basement.