Goa nightclub fire: A horrific fire at a popular nightclub in Goa has left at least 25 people dead, prompting nationwide shock and raising urgent questions about safety lapses at nightlife establishments. Mumbai-based performer DJ Nicky, who was scheduled to appear at the venue on the night of the incident, has confirmed that she’s safe, though deeply shaken by the tragedy.
The blaze erupted shortly after midnight on Sunday at Birch by Romeo Lane, a well-known club in Arpora located roughly 25 kilometres from Panaji. According to officials, the flames spread with alarming speed, giving people inside barely any time to evacuate. Emergency teams described the atmosphere as chaotic, with smoke and fire engulfing the structure within moments.
Authorities later confirmed that 25 lives were lost, 20 staff members and five tourists. All victims were identified by Sunday evening. Among those who died were four people from Delhi, including three members of the same family, and one tourist from Karnataka. The devastating loss has left the hospitality community and travellers in deep mourning.
DJ Nicky speaks out after tragic fire incident
DJ Nicky, whose real name is Mita Nikki, had been announced as the headlining act for the night. She’s known for her sets at clubs across Mumbai and other major cities, and her appearance at Birch had been widely promoted. Following the incident, concerns quickly mounted about her whereabouts.
Taking to Instagram, she reassured followers with a brief message: “Hey everyone….just wanted to let you know I’m okay and safe.” She added that she hadn’t reached the venue when the fire broke out. “This incident happened on the way, before I could reach Birch Goa last night,” she wrote, noting that she’s been shaken by the scale of the tragedy. She also offered prayers for the victims and those injured in the disaster.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the cause of the fire has taken a complicated turn. Early reports suggested a possible gas-cylinder explosion near the kitchen area. However, eyewitness accounts have presented another scenario. Some visitors claimed the fire ignited on the dance floor during a stage act that may have involved indoor pyrotechnics or firecrackers.
In the wake of the incident, the Goa government has suspended three senior officials associated with the club’s functioning. Their suspension is linked to alleged irregularities in allowing the nightclub to operate in 2023 despite previous regulatory concerns.
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