A horrific midnight fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa has resulted in the deaths of 25 people, with eyewitnesses pointing to fireworks used during a belly dance performance as the likely cause of the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
The incident occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora late on Saturday night. According to a group of friends from Karnataka who were present, the club was packed with around 200 people enjoying a DJ set. The atmosphere turned deadly around 11:30 PM during a belly dancing act.
"The club management used some firecrackers during the performance," recounted one eyewitness, who requested anonymity. "Those firecrackers came in contact with some bamboo, fibre, and grass-type material used for decoration. This caused sparks and fumes on the roof, and within minutes, there was an inferno."
Panic and Escape in Darkness
Another witness described the sudden chaos as the fire spread rapidly. "The lights went out, and it was completely dark. There was thick smoke everywhere," she said. "People were pushing and jostling to find a way out. I heard explosions and was terrified a stampede would break out."
In the frantic scramble to escape, one of the friends from Karnataka suffered burn injuries and breathing problems from the fumes. The group first took her to a hospital in Mapusa before she was transferred to the Goa Medical College (GMC) for advanced treatment.
Casualties and Official Response
The police confirmed that the blaze killed 25 individuals. The victims include four tourists and 14 staff members of the club. The identities of seven of the deceased are still to be established. Six people are injured and currently undergoing medical care.
A government official stated that among those recovering at GMC, four have sustained 12% burn injuries, while one has 29% burn injuries. All are reported to be in stable condition.
While eyewitness accounts strongly suggest fireworks as the trigger, the police have noted that the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation and is yet to be officially ascertained. The tragic event has cast a shadow over the coastal state, known for its vibrant nightlife and tourist appeal.
