A devastating fire at Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub claimed 25 lives, including foreign tourists, and injured seven. Preliminary investigations reveal severe lapses in fire safety, with blocked exits and faulty alarms. Police and fire departments are investigating, and legal action has begun against the club management.
Goa Nightclub Sealed, Legal Action Initiated Against Owners
Panaji: A massive fire broke out late at night at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in the Arpora area of Goa, killing 25 people. The deceased include foreign tourists and club staff. Many people were unable to escape after the fire started, resulting in their deaths from smoke inhalation. Seven people were injured, one of whom is in critical condition.
The initial investigation revealed that the club did not comply with fire safety regulations. There was only one entry and exit point, preventing people from escaping when the fire broke out. Ventilation, emergency exits, and alarm systems were found to be inadequate. A joint team of police and fire department officials is conducting the investigation. Initial indications suggest the fire may have originated in the kitchen or electrical section, but the cause will only be confirmed after the report is released.
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Goa Police stated that the deceased include 4 foreign tourists and 14 club employees. The identification process for the remaining victims is ongoing. Most deaths were due to smoke inhalation, while some were due to burns. One of the injured sustained burns to over 60 percent of their body; the condition of the others is reported to be stable.
Following the incident, the club has been sealed, and questioning of the management is underway. If violations of fire safety regulations are found, a case will be registered against the club owners under serious sections of the law. The club manager and other responsible individuals have already been arrested.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that this is the worst day in Goa's tourism history. The fire was extinguished within half an hour, but some people were unable to escape. He has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and said that it will be investigated whether fire safety and building construction regulations were followed.
This horrific nightclub tragedy in Goa has exposed the disregard for safety regulations. The deaths in the incident serve as a serious warning to the tourism and club industry. Preliminary investigations and legal proceedings are underway to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
