New Video From Goa Nightclub Shows Moment Electronic Firecracker Triggered Blaze That Killed 25

A new video from inside Goa’s Romeo Night Club, also known as Birch by Romeo Lane, has provided the clearest indication yet of how the massive fire that killed 25 people on Saturday night began.

The footage, which emerged on Monday, shows an electronic firecracker being set off during a belly dance and live music performance, moments before sparks shot up and reached the bamboo-lined ceiling of the club.

Within seconds, flames began to spread rapidly across the upper structure.

This fresh video closely matches another clip that surfaced on Sunday from a different angle.

That earlier video had also suggested that sparks from an electronic firecracker may have ignited the temporary materials used inside the club, contradicting initial claims of a cylinder

blast.

The interiors of the club, built with bamboo slats, palm leaves and other flammable material, played a major role in the speed at which the fire engulfed the structure.

According to officials, the flames raced across the ceiling almost immediately after contact, turning the packed nightclub into a death trap around 11.45 pm on Saturday.

The club was teeming with weekend revellers, and around 100 people were on the dance floor when chaos erupted.

Much of the loss of life occurred due to smoke inhalation, as thick fumes quickly filled the basement and ground-floor kitchen.

Many victims, including staff members and tourists, ran downstairs in an attempt to escape, only to get trapped when the exits became inaccessible.

A fire brigade official said most deaths were caused by suffocation and the inability of people to find a clear exit path.

Water tankers had to be stationed nearly 400 metres away, slowing down the firefighting operation. Small doors and a narrow bridge leading into the club further hindered evacuation efforts.

GOA NIGHCLUB FIRE – ACTIONS AND ARRESTS

According to news agency PTI, officials confirmed that the nightclub did not have a fire department NOC and had failed to comply with safety norms.

Police have arrested the club’s chief general manager, Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur.

An FIR has been lodged against owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, as well as the event organisers.

Three senior government officials have been suspended for allowing the club to operate without proper permissions.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a detailed inquiry and tasked a three-member probe panel with submitting its report within a week.

He also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders expressed grief, while the Opposition accused the state government of administrative failure.

ALSO READ | FIR Claims It’s A Man-Made Tragedy As Goa Club Had No Emergency Exit, No License