Tragic Nightclub Fire in Goa Claims 25 Lives

Sat Dec 20 2025 14:06:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating fire at a nightclub in Goa, India, has led to the deaths of 25 individuals, including tourists and staff. Investigation underway as officials seek to determine the cause of the blaze.

A fire at the Birch nightclub in Goa has resulted in 25 fatalities, with indoor fireworks potentially linked to the tragedy. The venue was crowded when the fire broke out, leading to chaos and difficulty in escape. Four arrests made as the government pledges a thorough investigation.

A fire at a popular nightclub in India's coastal region of Goa has killed 25 people, local officials say.

Police had initially thought a gas cylinder in the Birch nightclub's kitchen exploded – but the region's chief minister said on Sunday that this had been ruled out and that indoor fireworks are now thought to be the cause of the blaze.

The venue, located near a popular beach, was packed with revelers who had come to hear a Bollywood DJ. Four members of the same Delhi family and 21 staff died, according to police.

Four people have been arrested, including the nightclub's manager, and an arrest warrant for the owner has also been issued.

Goa is a former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea, and its nightlife, sandy beaches, and resorts attract millions of tourists annually.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the fire erupted, with one person recalling how screams filled the air and chaos ensued. The venue's narrow access point hampered rescue efforts, complicating firefighters' ability to reach the area swiftly.

Reports suggest that the cause of death for most individuals was suffocation, with others sustaining burn injuries. Six people remain hospitalized in stable condition.

About 5.5 million tourists visited Goa in the first half of the year, in which the government data revealed an influx of foreign visitors. Some opposition politicians have called for stricter safety regulations concerning entertainment venues to prevent future tragedies.

India has been plagued by similar incidents in recent years, with past fires resulting in tragic loss of life at entertainment venues across the country. An inquiry into the incident has been triggered, with officials asserting that those responsible will face the law's full severity.

}