A massive fire at a popular nightclub in Goa, India, has killed 25 people and left six others injured, officials confirmed on Sunday morning. The blaze broke out just after midnight at the Birch nightclub in Arpora, a busy tourist area in North Goa known for its nightlife and holiday visitors.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described the incident as “a very painful day for all of us” and announced that a full magisterial investigation has been launched to determine what caused the deadly fire and who was responsible.
Authorities said that some of the victims were tourists, although their nationalities have not yet been released. Rescue teams struggled to pull survivors and bodies out of the building through a narrow stone staircase.
Fire May Have Started During ‘Fire Show’
Goa’s fire chief, Nitin V. Raiker, said early reports indicate the club was hosting a party and had organised a fire show, during which parts of the wooden interior caught fire. Thick smoke quickly filled the building, causing many victims to die from suffocation, especially in the basement and kitchen areas.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about weak enforcement of fire safety standards in India. Fires linked to poor building construction, overcrowding, and lack of emergency exits are common.
Recent similar incidents include:
17 deaths in a commercial building fire in Hyderabad (May 2025)
15 deaths in a Kolkata hotel fire (April 2025)
24 deaths in a Gujarat amusement park fire (2024)
National Leaders React
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths “deeply saddening” and expressed condolences to the families. The government is expected to review safety regulations in entertainment venues across Goa.
Chief Minister Sawant promised that those found responsible—whether club owners or local inspectors—would face action once the investigation is complete.
