Panjim, December 7: A devastating fire broke out early Sunday at the "Birch By Romeo Lane" nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing at least 25 people, including tourists and staff. Emergency teams quickly responded, and the injured were hospitalized. The Goa police have confirmed the deaths of 25, with the process of identifying victims underway. Among the injured, five remain hospitalized.

Authorities have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. An eyewitness reported that the fire might have started from a spark caused by a pyro gun shot, igniting the wooden roof. Panic spread as the fire engulfed the venue, which had limited exit routes, exacerbated by a basement kitchen.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant confirmed the arrest of four individuals connected to the incident. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the victims' families and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Investigations are ongoing, and postmortem exams of the bodies are being conducted.