The night in Goa was marked for music and dance. How it turned into a tragedy as smoke filled the nightclub.
The fire claimed 25 lives. As the shrill of horror replaced the sand dunes of celebrations, media outlets have published fresh details pertaining to the case.
The club was reportedly built with flammable materials like straws and palm leaves. It had a single, narrow entry-exit and largely ignored fire safety norms.
Electronic fireworks used at the event turned it into a deadly inferno.
A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence has been registered against the owners.
They are allegedly on the run. Goa police have sent a team to Delhi to locate them. Four staff members have been arrested. Action has also been taken against several panchayat officials.
According to reports, the club’s Instagram handle describes it as “First Island Club.” Photos show heavy use of rattan and bamboo in the ceiling and decor. Videos show flames spreading within minutes. The narrow pathway serving as entrance and exit had canopy-like arches made of flammable material.
The club lacked a broad entrance for fire engines. Firefighters said they had to park 400 metres away. This complicated rescue efforts. The club did not have fire safety clearance. No functional fire extinguishers or safety alarms were found, despite the venue hosting over 100 people on big nights.
On Saturday, the club hosted a Bollywood Banger Night. A DJ, dancers, and musicians performed. Viral visuals show a dancer performing to ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ as the crowd cheered. Electric firecrackers went off. Flames appeared on the ceiling moments later.
Two staff members rushed to the console and removed a laptop from under the flames. Initially, the crowd did not seem alarmed. Someone even said, “aag laga di aapne” (you started a fire), as a compliment to the dancer. No announcements warned people to exit.
As the fire spread, musicians abandoned their instruments and moved to safety. The dancer, staff, and crowd then started heading out.
The sudden fire triggered chaos. People rushed toward the narrow exit. Some tourists ran to the basement kitchen where 20-odd staff members were working. By the time they tried to turn back, the floor was engulfed in flames.
Toxic smoke filled the basement kitchen, turning it into a death trap. Most victims reportedly died from suffocation, not burns. The narrow access road delayed firefighters. By the time they reached the basement, it was all over.
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