‘Very Painful Day for All of Goa’: CM Promises Action After Nightclub Fire; PM Modi Takes Stock

Calling it a “very painful day” for Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday vowed swift and strict action against those responsible for the massive fire—likely triggered by a cylinder blast—that claimed 25 lives in the early hours of the morning.

The toll, initially reported as 23, rose as rescue teams recovered more bodies from the debris.

“Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people. I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss,” Sawant said in a post on X.

The Chief Minister, who visited the site, said an inquiry had been ordered to determine the exact cause of the blaze and to examine whether fire safety norms and building regulations were followed. “Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law—any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” he said.

Earlier, speaking to reporters at the scene, Sawant described the incident as “very unfortunate for a tourism state like Goa,” adding, “The people who run such things illegally… a fire incident occurred… 23 people have lost their lives.”

How the Fire Erupted

Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar said the police were alerted shortly after midnight. “At 12.04 am, the police control room received information about a fire at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora. Police, fire brigade, and ambulances rushed to the spot. The fire is now under control, and all bodies have been recovered. The total death count is 23… The police will investigate the cause and take action based on the findings,” he told ANI.

The incident occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular restaurant-cum-nightclub in Arpora.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals as emergency teams worked through the night to contain the blaze.

PM Modi Reacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, posting on X: “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

Sawant confirmed that the Prime Minister had spoken to him personally. “The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji, spoke to me regarding the tragic fire incident at Arpora, and I apprised him of the current situation on the ground. The Government of Goa is extending all assistance to the affected families during this difficult time,” he said.