PANAJI: The Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, situated in Arpora approximately 16km from Panaji, was built on a salt pan without adequate safety measures, raising serious infrastructure issues following a fire incident that resulted in 25 fatalities. This establishment, promoted as Goa’s first island club, is under legal examination regarding its safety protocols and architectural design. The nightclub is located in the center of a salt pan, encircled by water, with its entrance positioned 50m from the main gate of the club.
Although there are two entry points, typically only one narrow lane is accessible. The basement of the club features a robust concrete structure with a permanently sealed exit. It contains the kitchen, changing room, and bar counter, all lacking proper ventilation, and is accessed via two narrow staircases. During rescue operations, emergency responders faced challenges in reaching the basement area due to the constricted passageways, which is particularly concerning given the large number of kitchen staff present in that space. The first floor, designated for live performances and club events, is surrounded by thick glass and has minimal ventilation. While it is equipped with two exits, only one was functional during the incident. The venue frequently hosts events that draw over 200 attendees on the first floor, which features open seating arrangements. “Of the three exits, only one was open at the time of the rescue operation,” stated Nitin Raiker, director of fire and emergency services.
The limited accessibility of the club is further exacerbated by its remote location on the salt pan, with a single narrow lane typically serving as the only access route to the nightclub.
