Goa Nightclub Fire: CM Pramod Sawant says indoor electric firecrackers likely behind blaze that claimed 25 lives

The preliminary enquiry into the North Goa nightclub fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives suggested indoor 'electric firecrackers' as the likely cause of the devastating blaze, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, as reported by PTI.

Goa Nightclub fire: CM Sawant reveals likely causes behind the blaze

Initially, the state police attributed the Goa nightclub fire to a cylinder blast, but eyewitnesses contradicted this, saying the fire started on the first floor where tourists were dancing. The chief minister has now confirmed the eyewitness accounts, stating that the fire indeed originated on the first floor, leading to chaos and panic among patrons. A preliminary inquiry indicated that "electric firecrackers" were set off inside, which started the blaze at 11.45 pm on Saturday, Sawant said, as reported by PTI.

The tragic incident took place at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora, which was reportedly packed with revellers when the fire broke out at 11:45 pm. At least six people were injured, with five currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Following the incident, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the arrest of four people and announced ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the victims' kin and Rs 50,000 each for the injured in the mishap.

Goa Nightclub fire: Arrests made so far

The arrested have been identified as Rajiv Modak (49 years), Chief General Manager, native of R.K. Puram, New Delhi; Priyanshu Thakur (32 years) Gate Manager - native of Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Rajveer Singhania (32 years) Bar Manager - native of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and Vivek Singh (27 years) General Manager - native of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the club failed to follow fire safety norms, and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to identify those responsible. The Arpora nightclub fire has exposed serious concerns about illegalities and government officials' laxity in enforcing regulations. Earlier, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) issued a detailed safety advisory to all nightclubs, restaurants, bars, event venues and similar establishments across the state after the deadly fire incident.SDMA directed establishments to ensure strict compliance with fire safety, electrical safety, emergency preparedness, and structural safety norms prescribed by the competent authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)