Twenty-five people died in a fire at the Birch nightclub in north Goa on Saturday night, including four members of the same family on their first holiday to the popular Indian tourist state. The blaze broke out just before midnight at the bar, restaurant and nightclub in the Aporna district, with most guests managing to escape but 20 staff members trapped in the basement suffocating to death.
The family, from Delhi, comprised three sisters and one of their husbands who had just finished dinner at the club. A family friend told the Hindustan Times that as the fire broke out, the group realised one sister was still inside and rushed back to save her. Only one of the four sisters survived; the others perished in the crowd and inadequate exits.
Officials said the venue had contravened multiple safety regulations, including lacking a fire exit in the basement. The building, largely made of flammable wood and bamboo, was hosting a live music show with pyrotechnics at the time of the blaze. Investigators are determining whether sparks from the fireworks or a short circuit caused the fire; an initial report pointed to possible short-circuiting in electrical systems above the main stage.
Emergency services were hampered by narrow lanes leading to the venue, which had marketed itself as an “island venue” in inland north Goa. Police arrested the general manager, owners and event organisers on Sunday. The state government has formed a high-level committee to inquire into the incident, with a report due within a week.
