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A devastating fire at Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub claimed 25 lives, prompting major police action. FIRs have been filed against owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav, while Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar has been detained.
Management Faces Criminal Charges After Deadly Incident
Panaji: Following the horrific fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, which claimed the lives of 25 people, the police and administration have swung into action. An FIR has been registered against the nightclub owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav. Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat Sarpanch Roshan Redkar has also been taken into custody. Police say the club was built on a temporary structure, largely constructed with palm leaves. This is why the fire spread uncontrollably within minutes.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site to assess the situation and vowed strict action against those responsible. He stated that the initial investigation has revealed several serious lapses. The nightclub did not comply with fire safety regulations, nor did it have proper emergency exits.
Goa Police Chief Alok Kumar said the fire may have been caused by a cylinder blast, but several eyewitnesses claimed the fire started on the first floor, where hundreds of people were dancing.
Goa Fire Tragedy: Dance floor in flames; Terrifying Goa nightclub fire video
According to eyewitnesses, a stampede ensued in the nightclub after the fire broke out. People tried to escape, but the situation made it almost impossible to get out.
The kitchen was located near the stairs leading downstairs.
The thick smoke from the kitchen fire filled the entire area.
Due to the lack of ventilation, the smoke spread rapidly throughout the club, and people began to collapse.
This is why several bodies were found near the stairs and the entry gate. The club's exit was so narrow that people got trapped in the crush.
According to reports, the nightclub was built on a platform in the sea and connected to the land by a narrow bridge-like structure. Extinguishing a fire in such a location was extremely difficult. Fire engines and rescue teams were significantly delayed in reaching the club. The club was heavily crowded because it was a weekend night. There were approximately 100 people on the dance floor alone.
The accident has confirmed the deaths of 14 staff members, 4 foreign tourists. The identification of the remaining bodies is ongoing.
Major action in Goa fire case; Nightclub owner arrested, 3 cases filed
Police say that negligence occurred at multiple levels in the club—whether it was the construction methods, the fire safety system, or the licensing procedures. Authorities have indicated that further arrests are likely in this case.
