The Birch Inferno
25 lives lost in Arpora. A history of negligence, a night of panic, and the aftermath of Goa's deadliest nightclub fire.
25
Confirmed Dead
14
Staff Victims
4
Tourists Identified
7
Pending ID
Visual Evidence
Explore the scene before, during, and after the tragedy. Select a thumbnail to view the details.
The Venue Before Tragedy
The intricate bamboo archway entrance of 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. This highly flammable material would later contribute to the fire's rapid spread.
A Pattern of Fire
The Birch tragedy is the deadliest, but not the first. Goa's coastal belt has a history of fires linked to temporary structures (shacks) and lax enforcement.
Ashwem Resort Fire
A massive fire destroyed a beachside resort in Ashwem. Loss estimated at ₹25 Lakh.
Cause: Electrical Short Circuit
Recurring Shack Fires
Frequent incidents in Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna involving temporary structures. Often attributed to kitchen mishaps in confined spaces.
Arpora Nightclub Inferno
The deadliest incident to date. 25 confirmed dead at 'Birch'. Combines all historical risk factors: Illegal structure, flammable décor, and no fire exits.
The Night of the Fire
Interactive reconstruction of the timeline based on witness testimonies.
Casualty Analysis
Cause of Death
Primary cause reported as Asphyxia (Suffocation) rather than direct burns, indicating victims were trapped in smoke-filled zones.
The "Death Trap"
Staff retreated to the kitchen/basement area which had no secondary exit, effectively sealing their fate.
Investigation & Response
Key safety failures identified by the Chief Minister and Fire Department:
- No Fire NOC: Venue operated without Fire Department clearance.
- Illegal Construction: No construction license; demolition notices ignored.
- Flammable Materials: Extensive use of dry palm leaves and bamboo in interiors.
- Blocked Exits: Narrow entry/exit points created a bottleneck during panic.
