Goa Nightclub Fire Kills 23; Safety Lapses, Inquiry Ordered

• A fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa killed 23 people, including kitchen staff and tourists.
• Eyewitnesses said the fire started on the dance floor, trapping some of the 100 patrons and staff in the kitchen.
• Narrow access hindered fire brigade efforts, and a temporary palm leaf construction contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
• CM Pramod Sawant stated the club violated fire safety norms and ordered an inquiry, promising action against management and negligent authorities.
• Local officials revealed the club lacked construction permission; a fire safety audit of all nightclubs will now be conducted.

Why It Matters: Deadly Goa fire highlights urgent need for strict fire safety enforcement in public venues.