Goa nightclub inferno kills 25: Narrow doors, illegal build blamed

• A fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, killed 25 people, including staff and tourists, post-midnight Sunday.
• The tragedy has led to an inquiry into the club's legality, construction violations, and critical safety lapses, with an FIR filed against the owner and managers.
• Victims primarily succumbed to suffocation due to narrow escape routes and a confusing layout, exacerbated by burn-ready decor and temporary construction.
• The club was an illegal structure, built on eco-sensitive land, and a demolition notice was previously stayed, allowing it to operate despite violations.
• Emergency response was hampered by the club's remote location, and Chief Minister Sawant confirmed the nightclub had not followed fire safety norms.

Why It Matters: This incident underscores the deadly cost of neglected safety regulations.