Goa nightclub blaze: Four arrested, three officials suspended; failure to enforce rules under scanner

A nightclub teeming with revellers in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives, including five tourists, and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of government officials in enforcing rules.

Fireworks emerged as the likely cause of the blaze at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub at Arpora, 25 km from Panaji, officials said, adding that the facility allegedly did not possess even a fire department NOC.

At least six people were injured in the incident. Five of them are undergoing treatment at hospitals.

The deceased included 20 employees of the nightclub and five tourists, including four from Delhi.

As per initial information, the nightclub had not adhered to fire safety norms, CM Pramod Sawant said.

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