Goa: The governor of the western Indian state of Goa has ordered a thorough investigation into the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub to determine the cause and responsibility. The death toll has risen to 25 from 23, including four tourists and 14 nightclub staff. Six people were injured and are receiving the utmost care. The Goa police chief said the fire was reported at 12:04 am local time (1:34 am in India). Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said the government would pay up to 200,000 rupees (about 2,370 baht) to each of the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees (about 5,740 baht) to each of the injured.
According to Thai News Agency, Goa, a small state on the Arabian Sea coast, is a popular tourist destination, especially for foreigners, due to its beautiful beaches and hilly landscape. Government data shows that in the first half of 2025, it received about 5.5 million tourist visits, of which 271,000 were from abroad.
The website of the Hindustan Times, one of India's largest newspapers, questioned why the nightclub, which was allegedly illegal due to safety regulations, was able to operate until the tragedy occurred. The Hindustan Times reported that while the Goa police chief attributed the fire to an exploding cooking gas cylinder, witnesses contradicted accounts. Some said the fire started on the ground floor as at least 100 tourists were dancing. Everyone fled in panic, with many running from the upper floors down to the lower floors and becoming trapped in the kitchen with staff. The Goa governor said initial inquiries indicated the fire started on the upper floors. Many tried to escape, but the narrow doors and the crowds made it impossible to escape. Some ran down to the basement and died of suffocation due to poor ventilation.
Firefighters said the nightclub, located in a swamp with only one narrow entrance and exit, had to be parked 400 meters away, delaying the firefighting and rescue efforts. Survivors said the night was very crowded due to the weekend, and the entire club was quickly engulfed in flames due to its flammable decorations made from dry palm leaves.
Local officials say the nightclub was built illegally. Authorities inspected the building following complaints from the landowner and his partner, who were in conflict with the nightclub owner. They found no building permits and issued a demolition notice after the inspection process was completed. However, the nightclub owner appealed, so the demolition has not yet taken place. The Hindustan Times also noted that the nightclub is located in an ecologically sensitive salt pan area and falls within a coastal control zone where construction is normally prohibited.