Shocking visuals from inside Birch by Romeo Lane have surfaced online, showing the nightclub reduced to a mangled, blackened frame after a devastating fire tore through the property early Sunday morning in Goa. The tragedy claimed 25 lives, including 20 staff members and five tourists, marking one of the deadliest such incidents the state has ever witnessed.
Authorities have now identified all victims as investigations reveal disturbing details about how quickly the blaze spread, and how little time those inside had to save themselves.
STORY | 25 killed in blaze at nightclub in Goa; eye-witness claims fireworks were set off inside
A jampacked nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap after midnight on Sunday as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and leaving six injured while raising… pic.twitter.com/fQxl9Z4rX0
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 7, 2025
Fire Spread Within Seconds, Say Officials
According to emergency responders, the fire is believed to have been triggered by a powerful blast, which caused flames to rip through the building almost instantly. A senior fire officer told PTI that the inferno engulfed the structure so fast that escape routes became inaccessible within moments, trapping several people inside.
Tragically, many deaths reportedly occurred due to severe smoke inhalation, as thick plumes filled the underground section of the club where ventilation was extremely poor.
#Goa
At least 25 people were killed after a cylinder blast triggered a massive fire at a North Goa nightclub late Saturday. Victims include 4 tourists and 14 staff, with 7 yet to be identified.@TourismGoa@goacm @HMOIndia @DrPramodPSawant pic.twitter.com/nsNTaPf7YQ— Vikas Dixit © (@Vikas_aajtak) December 7, 2025
Difficult Access Delayed Rescue
Birch by Romeo Lane, marketed as an “island club,” sits near the Arpora River backwaters and is connected to the main road by narrow internal lanes. The establishment itself has only a single cramped entry and exit point.
Fire officials admitted that reaching the site quickly was nearly impossible due to the restricted approach roads. This delay prevented crews from getting equipment inside in time, significantly hampering rescue and firefighting efforts.
Goa CM: “First such incident in the state”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site, called the event unprecedented for Goa. He said preliminary findings suggest the fire began on the upper level of the club. With the staircase and exits congested, only a few patrons managed to flee in the early moments.
Sawant added that those who made their way toward the underground area were overcome by smoke due to the lack of proper ventilation, leading to multiple fatalities.
Nightclub Sealed as Investigation Intensifies
Authorities have sealed the property, and police have begun questioning the owners and management. Initial reports indicate that Birch by Romeo Lane did not comply with fire safety regulations, raising serious concerns about licensing and oversight.
