Goa Nightclub Fire Kills 25, Safety Lapses Probed

• A fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, resulted in 25 deaths, primarily kitchen staff and some tourists.
• Police attribute the fire to a cylinder blast, while eyewitnesses claim it started on the first floor where tourists were dancing.
• Narrow access roads prevented fire brigades from reaching the club, and a temporary palm leaf structure contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
• Most victims died from suffocation after being trapped in the ground floor kitchen; the club was packed with about 100 people on the dance floor.
• Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered an investigation, citing the club's failure to follow fire safety norms, and action will be taken against management and officials.

Why It Matters: Goa fire exposes fatal consequences of ignored safety norms and official negligence.