Video shows Goa club engulfed in massive flames, smoke.
A new video shows a North Goa nightclub blaze that became a deadly trap, killing 25 people, including five tourists.
Terrifying scenes emerged from North Goa after a late-night blaze ripped through the popular ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, transforming what was meant to be a carefree Saturday of music and celebration into a deadly catastrophe. The fire, which broke out just past midnight, quickly became an inferno, claiming 25 lives—20 of them staff members and five tourists who had come to enjoy Goa’s famous nightlife.
A newly surfaced video captures the horrifying sequence of events. What begins as a lively musical evening—pulsating lights, loud cheers, and a dancer performing to the iconic Sholay hit “Mehbooba Mehbooba”—suddenly shifts when small flames appear on the ceiling above the stage. Within seconds, smoke billows downward, fireballs erupt, and panic grips the crowd. The music, once exhilarating, becomes drowned out by screams and chaos as guests and employees scramble to escape the rapidly spreading blaze.
Investigators have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire, but early signs point toward fireworks used during the performance. Those inside recall sparklers and pyrotechnics being lit moments before the flames first appeared—an attempt to enhance the show that may have triggered the disaster. Fire officials now suspect that the nightclub was operating without proper clearance from the Fire Department, a violation that could have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze and the staggering loss of life.
According to the club’s own Instagram page, the venue was hosting a special “Bollywood Banger Night” on Saturday, drawing a large weekend crowd. The now-viral video shows the performer continuing her dance routine even as the first sparks ignite overhead—likely unaware of the danger unfolding behind her. Within half a minute, parts of the ceiling appear to collapse, and thick black smoke fills the frame, leaving little time for anyone to react.
In the aftermath, rescue teams described the scene as one of complete devastation. The blaze spread so quickly that many staff members working inside had no opportunity to escape. Tourists who had been visiting Goa for the holidays were caught in the tight, enclosed interior with limited exits, turning the club into a deadly trap.
Police have launched a criminal investigation, registering a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with charges related to negligence and endangering public safety. Four staff members of the nightclub have already been arrested—though officers say these individuals are unlikely to be the main people responsible.
Authorities are now hunting for the nightclub’s promoters, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who have reportedly gone missing since the tragedy. Both men run the ‘Romeo Lane’ chain, which operates outlets in several major cities. Their disappearance has raised serious questions about responsibility, accountability, and compliance with safety regulations. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that a team of officials from the state has been dispatched to Delhi to track down the Luthras. Meanwhile, two other Romeo Lane properties in Goa have been sealed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The tragedy has triggered widespread anger and grief across Goa and beyond. Locals have questioned how a nightclub in a busy tourist zone could operate without essential fire permissions. Survivors recount terrifying moments—people trapped, trying to break windows, and stumbling through smoke-filled corridors. Many believe the death toll might have been lower had the club been equipped with proper fire exits, sprinklers, and safety measures.
As families mourn their loved ones, and as the state grapples with one of its deadliest nightlife disasters, authorities are under intense pressure to ensure strict accountability. Goa’s vibrant party scene, celebrated by lakhs of tourists every year, now faces renewed scrutiny over safety violations that have long been whispered about but rarely enforced.
For now, the charred remains of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub stand as a stark reminder of how a night of entertainment can turn into tragedy when safety is ignored and responsibility is abandoned.