What Happened During the Devastating Fire at a Goa Club?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The fire claimed 25 lives, including tourists and staff.
- The incident occurred shortly after midnight.
- Authorities suspect a cylinder explosion ignited the blaze.
- Rescue operations were conducted by multiple fire stations.
- Identification of victims is ongoing.
New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) A devastating fire engulfed a well-known nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora, with harrowing eyewitness accounts beginning to reveal the chaotic events that transpired during this tragedy.
The inferno, which ignited shortly after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane in the bustling Baga area, has tragically taken the lives of 25 individuals, as confirmed by Goa Police on Sunday morning.
Local residents and visitors in the area described the scenes of confusion and terror as the incident unfolded. One local who hurried to the scene upon hearing about the fire stated, "I saw the news this morning and rushed here. Last night, we only heard a very loud siren, thinking it was nothing serious on the road. But by morning, we learned of the immense tragedy that had occurred..."
Another witness, a tourist who was nearby, recounted seeing flames from afar: "We had just reached our hotel when we spotted reddish flames coming out. When we went to investigate, the police were already managing the situation..."
A neighbor recalled hearing emergency vehicles at midnight but not grasping the severity of the situation. "It happened at midnight, so not much was known initially. I heard the sound of an ambulance, and by morning, I discovered that perhaps 23 people had perished."
As news of the fire spread, the local hospital became crowded with anxious family members seeking information on their loved ones. Many of the victims were club staff who succumbed to the fire, while the injured are still receiving care under close police supervision. The bodies have been taken to the mortuary, and authorities face challenges in identifying several victims.
The fire broke out around midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a club in the lively Baga region that attracts large crowds due to its proximity to one of Goa's most popular beaches.
Police officials believe the blaze was likely ignited by a cylinder explosion within the premises. The sudden blast left little time for those inside, many of whom were employees, to escape.
Firefighters from various stations were dispatched, battling the flames well into the early hours of Sunday. Rescue teams continued their efforts until dawn, searching for survivors and extinguishing remaining hotspots. Key officials, including the Director General of Police and teams from North Goa district, arrived shortly after the incident to oversee rescue operations.
In the latest update, Goa Police reported that the fire resulted in 25 fatalities, including four identified tourists and 14 staff members, while seven victims' identities remain unconfirmed as identification efforts are ongoing.