Goa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant after a horrific fire at a nightclub in Arpora claimed 25 lives, prompting shock across the country. The Prime Minister assured the state of full support as rescue work and investigations continue.
Calling the incident “heartbreaking,” Modi wrote on X that his thoughts were with the families mourning their loved ones. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the late-night blaze.
Following the call with the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister’s Office announced compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Families of each deceased victim will receive ₹2 lakh, while those injured will be granted ₹50,000.
The fire broke out on Saturday night at Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub that had quickly become a popular party destination since opening last year in Arpora, about 25 kilometres from Panaji. Chief Minister Sawant said the majority of victims were kitchen staff, including three women, and confirmed that several tourists were also among the dead.
Sawant stated that while three victims suffered fatal burn injuries, the rest died due to suffocation after becoming trapped inside the smoke-filled premises.
The state government has launched an inquiry to determine how the fire spread so rapidly and whether safety guidelines were violated. Officials have indicated that further action will follow once initial findings are submitted, as pressure mounts for accountability and stronger oversight of nightlife establishments in Goa.
