Goa Nightclub Fire: Did narrow exits, palm frond structure and DJ night crowd take the lives of 25 people? How the fire in Arpora’s ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ became a death trap within minutes – was it just an accident or a story of neglect?
Panaji, Goa. A beautiful night in Goa turned into a night of death in no time. A sudden fire that broke out in the famous nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ of Arpora village engulfed the entire club within minutes. Loud DJs playing, laughter on the dance floor and the fun of the party in the backwater – everything turned into panic and mourning in a moment. About 100 people were present in the club at that time and no one had any idea that within a few moments there would be chaos, screams and darkness. 25 people died and many were injured in this accident. How did this incident, which started at around 1 am, become so big? The government has described the incident as a “very painful day” and has launched a high-level investigation. But the question is, how did the security rules become lax for such a big club in a tourist state like Goa?
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Did the narrow entry-exit of the nightclub become the biggest reason for death?
The entry and exit of this club was very narrow. This nightclub, located on the banks of a backwater, was called “Island Club” and even to reach here one had to pass through small, winding streets. This became the biggest danger during the accident. When the fire suddenly broke out, the people inside the club had no open space to escape. There was a stampede in the narrow exit. Many people were able to get out quickly, but many got stuck there.
How did the fire start? Did the structure of palm leaves and wood become the reason?
According to eyewitnesses, some parts of the club were made of materials such as palm leaves and wood. Fire catching materials catch fire very quickly. Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, said, “We were dancing when suddenly sparks were seen and after some time the structure was engulfed in flames. The famous DJ Bollywood Banger Night was going on at night, and the crowd was very large. As soon as the fire was seen, people ran towards the exit together. The exit was very narrow, due to which a jam-like situation was created. Many people searched for a way to the other side and went down to the kitchen, but the place was filled with smoke. In such clubs, the kitchen area is often closed, due to which smoke gets trapped inside – this is the reason for the deaths of people.
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Why couldn’t the fire brigade reach the club?
According to reports, fire engines could not reach the club as the path was too narrow. Firemen had to park their vehicles about 400 meters away. This caused a delay in extinguishing the fire, and this delay cost many lives.
Was the nightclub operating illegally? What is the claim of the Panchayat?
Sarpanch of the local panchayat, Roshan Redkar, claimed that the club was running without proper permission. He said that the partners of the club were in dispute among themselves. Complaints were made against each other. Investigation revealed that the club did not have permission for construction. The Panchayat had given notice of demolition. But the Directorate of Panchayat stopped the action. This has raised many new questions whether this accident happened due to administrative negligence which could have been stopped in time?
What was happening on the night of the incident?
According to the nightclub’s Instagram page, that night was “Bollywood Banger Night.” The party was in full swing. The Bollywood banger night going on on the dance floor suddenly turned into screams and smoke. About 100 people were having fun in the club, when a loud bang-like sound came and flames started rising. There was immediate chaos. Some people somehow ran outside, but many people got scared and ran towards the kitchen area below. It was filled with smoke and he died of suffocation.
What statement came from the government and the centre?
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called it a “very painful day” and ordered an investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief on social media and said that all possible help will be provided to the affected families.