What caused the Goa nightclub fire that killed 23 people?

Arpora: Early eyewitness testimonies indicate that the deadly fire at Birch by the Romeo Lane club in Arpora, North Goa, may have been triggered by a cylinder explosion shortly after midnight. Several locals reported hearing a loud blast moments before the blaze engulfed the restaurant-cum-club, killing 23 people and injuring more than 50.

Eyewitnesses report loud blast before blaze spread

Early eyewitness testimonies indicate that the deadly fire at Birch by the Romeo Lane club in Arpora, North Goa, may have been triggered by a cylinder explosion shortly after midnight. Several locals reported hearing a loud blast moments before the blaze engulfed the restaurant-cum-club, killing 23 people and injuring more than 50.

A resident told ANI they heard an explosion while heading home and later saw ambulances rushing to the spot. A security guard working near the establishment also described hearing a “massive explosion”, which they later learnt was linked to a cylinder blast inside the premises. These early accounts suggest that the fire may have started in an area connected to the club’s kitchen or storage zone.

Inquiry ordered into possible safety violations

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire, but Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a full inquiry to determine whether fire safety norms were violated and whether unsafe storage of cylinders or illegal structural modifications played a role. According to preliminary inputs, many victims were staff members working in the basement, where escape routes were limited.

The police have launched a detailed investigation and will examine forensic evidence, structural layouts, and compliance documents to establish what triggered the explosion and how the fire spread so rapidly.

Blast remains most reported initial trigger

The preliminary narrative emerging from eyewitness accounts suggests that the massive fire may have been ignited by a cylinder explosion. Locals in the vicinity reported hearing a loud blast at around 12.04 am on Sunday, shortly before flames were seen rising from the establishment. One resident told ANI they heard an explosion while travelling home and saw ambulances arriving soon after. A security guard at a nearby restaurant also said they heard a “massive explosion”, initially unaware that a fire had broken out inside the club.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause, but a cylinder blast remains the most widely reported initial trigger based on on-ground testimonies. The nature of the explosion, its precise location, and whether it involved multiple cylinders or a single unit stored in the kitchen or basement will be key points of examination.

Victims were mostly staff working in the basement

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed officials to determine whether proper fire safety norms and building rules were followed, stating that those responsible would face strict action. Police have begun forensic analysis and are studying the source of the blast, possible gas leaks, and whether the establishment stored LPG cylinders in violation of regulations.

Most of the victims were kitchen staff working in the basement, with reports indicating that many died due to suffocation as smoke rapidly filled the enclosed area. More than 50 others sustained severe injuries and were moved to nearby hospitals.

Investigation to confirm exact cause of explosion

The ongoing inquiry will establish whether the suspected cylinder blast was the primary cause of the fire or whether other contributing factors intensified the tragedy. Officials are expected to scrutinise structural compliance, emergency exits, ventilation systems, and adherence to fire-safety guidelines as part of the detailed investigation.
(With ANI inputs)