Goa! The abode of fun, sand, and nightlife. But on Saturday night, this revelry was overshadowed by a dark shadow that shook the entire nation. We’re talking about Goa’s famous nightclub, Birch By Romeo Lane, where a “Bollywood Banger Night” suddenly turned into a ballad of death.

Eyewitness Account: When a Console Fire Erupted

It was around 1 a.m. Inside the club, about 100 visitors were dancing to Hindi songs. The atmosphere was vibrant, when suddenly, a flame appeared behind the DJ console, right near the dance floor! A viral video clearly showed a dancer performing on stage, and a fire had already broken out right behind her.  Staff initially tried to remove a laptop. The crowd thought everything was under control, but the fire was about to take a devastating turn.

“As soon as the fire broke out, there was panic in the club. There were many temporary decorations made of palm leaves inside the club, which immediately caught fire. Within minutes, the entire club was engulfed in smoke and flames.”

A ‘Narrow Alley’ and ‘Single Door’ Caused Deaths

As the fire spread to the upper floors, musicians and other staff fled their positions. Some managed to get out, but many ran down to the basement, towards the kitchen, and became trapped there. Tragically, many of these people died of suffocation.

The Big Question: Why was the rescue delayed?

Fire Brigade Trapped: The alley leading to the club was so narrow that fire brigade vehicles could not enter. They had to stop approximately 400 meters away, greatly slowing the rescue operation.

Door to Death: The entry and exit to the club were also extremely narrow. A stampede broke out, and people were unable to get out all at once. Those trapped inside the smoke-filled club suffocated.

When the fire was extinguished, a total of 25 bodies were recovered, including tourists and club employees. Six people were also injured, and several bodies are yet to be identified.

Big revelation: Illegal construction and disregard for rules!

This incident has raised serious questions about the club’s construction and license. Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat Sarpanch Roshan Redkar made a shocking statement:

There was already a dispute among the club’s partners. The Panchayat had found during inspection that the club had not received permission for construction. The Panchayat had also issued a notice to demolish it, but higher officials had stopped the action. It is clear that there were blatant violations of rules at many places, leading to such a devastating outcome.

Government action: Magistrate investigation and financial assistance

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called it a “very sad day.” He said that many people were unable to get out due to the narrow doors. Those who went downstairs were deprived of air.

The government has ordered a magisterial inquiry.

An FIR has been registered against the hotel’s general manager and owner, and arrest warrants have been issued. The Chief Minister has also announced financial assistance for the families of the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow over the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He said that the state government is providing full assistance to the affected people.