A horrifying video has emerged on social media, providing a chilling glimpse into the initial moments of the devastating fire that ripped through a nightclub in North Goa, claiming at least 25 lives. The incident at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' in Arpora early Sunday has raised severe questions about blatant disregard for fire safety regulations.
The Chilling Video: A Dance Floor Turned Inferno
The widely circulated video, recorded by an attendee, shows a performer dancing to the classic Bollywood tune 'Mehbooba Mehbooba' as a band plays. In the top-left corner of the frame, a tiny orange glow is visible on the roof. Within seconds, that small glow rapidly expands into a raging blaze, engulfing part of the venue and filling it with thick, black smoke.
As the fire spreads, voices can be heard yelling "aag lag gayi" (a fire has broken out). The realization of danger triggers panic, with both performers and audience members scrambling for the exits before the video cuts off. This terrifying visual evidence surfaces hours after the tragic incident, which left 25 people dead, including tourists and 14 staff members.
Eyewitness Accounts and a Stampede for Survival
Initial police reports suggested a cylinder blast may have caused the fire. However, eyewitness accounts present a different, alarming possibility. Riya, a tourist from Delhi who survived, told PTI that firecrackers were being burst around the dance floor as the performers began. "The fire must have been caused due to this. There was a stampede-like situation," she stated.
Another survivor, Fatima Shaikh from Hyderabad, described the chaos to PTI. She estimated at least 100 people were on the dance floor. In the desperate rush to escape, many ran downstairs into the kitchen, where they became trapped alongside staff members. "There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames," Shaikh said. She also pointed out a critical hazard: "There was a temporary construction made up of palm leaves which easily caught fire."
Fire officials confirmed to PTI that most deaths were due to suffocation, as victims were trapped inside the burning building. Six more people were injured in the tragedy. Police received the first distress call at around 12:04 am on Sunday.
Official Response and Questions Over Illegal Structure
The tragedy has prompted a strong reaction from authorities. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has vowed strict action against officials who allowed the club to operate despite safety violations. An FIR has been registered against the club's owners.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a local village official claimed the nightclub structure itself was illegal. Roshan Redkar, the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, told PTI that the premises, reportedly run by an individual named Saurabh Luthra, did not have the necessary permissions. "We had inspected the premises and found that they did not have the permission to construct the club," Redkar stated, revealing there was an ongoing dispute between partners involved in the venture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Home Minister Amit Shah were among the national leaders who expressed their shock and condolences over the profound loss of life. The incident underscores a fatal cocktail of alleged illegal construction, ignored safety norms, and the use of highly flammable materials, leading to one of Goa's deadliest nightlife disasters.
