Fire Tragedy Claims 25 Lives at North Goa Restaurant

A devastating fire at the “Birch By Romeo Lane” restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora area resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals early on March 25, 2024. The blaze also left several others injured, prompting immediate emergency response efforts.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. In a show of support for the victims’ families, he declared an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh (approximately $6,000) for the kin of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 (around $600) for the injured.

Yatindra Maralkar, the Goa Health Secretary, confirmed the tragic toll, stating that 25 people died as a result of the fire. He noted that five injured individuals suffered approximately 12 percent burns but are expected to recover quickly. “There are five patients who have 12 percent injury, and they are recovering very fast. I hope that by tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, they will be discharged,” he said.

Authorities reported that of the deceased, four were tourists while the remainder were staff members of the restaurant. Emergency teams responded rapidly to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals as they worked to control the situation.

Investigation and Victim Identification

The Goa police have confirmed that all 25 deceased individuals have been moved to GMC Bambolim for identification. So far, six bodies have been identified, and efforts to establish the identities of the remaining victims are ongoing. “An offence has been registered at Anjuna Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023,” the police stated. Senior police officers are closely monitoring the investigation, with a focus on determining the cause of the fire.

Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been ignited by a spark from a wooden roof after a pyro gun was discharged, according to eyewitness accounts. The investigation continues as authorities gather more information surrounding the tragic incident.

The aftermath of this disaster has left families and the local community in mourning. Government officials and health authorities are working diligently to assist those affected by the fire, ensuring that support is available to both the victims and their families during this difficult time.