A horrific fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa claimed at least 25 lives in the early hours of Sunday, leaving a trail of devastation and unanswered questions. The blaze, which erupted just after midnight at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, also injured several others, with survivors recounting scenes of sheer panic and a desperate scramble for survival.
Eyewitness Accounts of Terror and Chaos
Tourists who were inside the packed venue described the moments when the festive atmosphere turned into a nightmare. Riya, a visitor from Delhi, told PTI that she saw firecrackers bursting near the dance floor while performers were on stage. "The fire must have been caused due to this. There was a stampede-like situation," she said, adding that she managed to escape seconds before the flames engulfed the area.
Fatima Shaikh from Hyderabad highlighted the club's crowded state due to the weekend. She spoke of a sudden commotion as flames erupted. "We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames," she said. Fatima revealed a tragic detail: many fleeing patrons ran downstairs, unknowingly heading towards the kitchen, where they became trapped with staff members. She also noted the club was a temporary structure made of palm leaves, which accelerated the fire's spread.
"Massive Explosion" and Narrow Escapes
A security guard from a nearby restaurant reported hearing a "massive explosion" initially, leading to speculation about a possible LPG cylinder blast. Sanjay Kumar Gupta, another guard present at the scene, stated everything unfolded within minutes. "Suddenly, there was a fire. I was at the gate. A DJ and dancer were going to perform, and it was about to get really crowded," he recounted.
The tragedy was a near-miss for many. Avanish, a tourist from Delhi, said he and his friends were saved because their taxi arrived late. "Actually, we got lucky, or else we would be here," he said. Nikhnesh, also from Delhi, arrived at the area to see plumes of smoke rising, having planned to party there just hours earlier.
Official Response and Investigation
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that most deaths were caused by suffocation. He announced that arrests have been made in connection with the incident and that an arrest warrant has been issued against the nightclub owners. The police revealed that the victims included four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of seven others were yet to be confirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their profound grief over the loss of lives. The Prime Minister's Office announced an ex gratia compensation for the victims' next of kin and the injured. The incident has cast a pall over the coastal state, raising serious concerns about safety protocols in temporary entertainment structures, especially during the peak tourist season.
