KATHMANDU, Dec 11: The bodies of five Nepali nationals who died in the devastating December 7 fire at a nightclub in Goa have been handed over to their families.
According to the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi, the remains of four victims were repatriated to Nepal between Tuesday and Wednesday, while the body of the fifth victim was received by family members in India and cremated in Haridwar, embassy officials confirmed.
Deputy Chief of Mission Surendra Thapa told Republica that the victims have been identified as Churna Bahadur Pun of Ghorahi, Dang; Leela Bahadur Katwal (also known as Vivek Kshetri) of Dudhauli, Sindhuli; Sabin Bishwakarma of Jhapa; and Man Bahadur Jhora and Tikaram BK of Dadeldhura. Of them, the final rites of Man Bahadur were held in India by his brother.
Five images of Gods repatriated from USA
Indian authorities have stated that a total of 25 people were killed in the blaze at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, including five tourists and 20 staff members. The fire erupted around midnight during a party and spread rapidly through the venue, which was crowded with guests. Investigators say many victims suffocated after being trapped inside as thick smoke filled the nightclub, particularly in the basement and kitchen areas where escape routes were limited.
Goa’s Fire and Emergency Services chief, Nitin V. Raikar, has stated that the fire started during a performance and was fueled by combustible interior materials, allowing it to spread within seconds.
Officials have noted that the club lacked adequate fire safety equipment and clear emergency exits, and the tragedy has raised urgent concerns about safety regulation enforcement in nightlife venues across India’s popular tourist destinations.
Investigations into the cause of the fire and potential negligence are ongoing.
