INDIA — The owners of a popular nightclub in Goa, India, fled the country hours after a devastating fire killed 25 people at the weekend, police confirmed. The tragedy struck the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, a major tourist destination, with most victims being staff members, including four Nepali citizens.
The blaze, which erupted late Saturday night, was likely triggered by a gas cylinder explosion in the club’s kitchen area, leading to rapid fire spread and suffocation in the basement and ground floor, where many staff were trapped. Initial reports indicate that only three victims died from burn injuries, while the majority succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Club owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra boarded a flight to Phuket, Thailand, immediately after the incident, prompting police to raid their New Delhi residence and appeal to Interpol for assistance in locating the fugitives. Police have described their flight as an attempt to avoid investigation.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the deaths, including four tourists, and ordered immediate checks on all nightclubs in the state, citing repeated violations of fire safety norms. The tragedy has sparked nationwide concern over lax safety regulations in entertainment venues, with authorities vowing action against both the club management and officials who permitted its operation despite violations.
The incident occurred during Goa’s peak tourist season, highlighting ongoing risks linked to poor building practices, overcrowding, and inadequate emergency exits in Indian nightlife establishments.