Still trembling... staff didn't warn: Witnesses

According to survivors, the night that began ona festive note with a large weekend crowd turned ghastly within minutes as the fire quickly engulfed the popular nightclub

- Gerard de Souza

What started as a fun weekend for a group of friends from Karnataka at a Goa nightclub quickly turned into a nightmare as a devastating fire engulfed the entire premises of Birch By Romeo Lane at Arpora in North Goa, killing at least 25 people early on Sunday. Though the group of four —all in their 20s — managed to escape the nightclub, one of them was admitted to a hospital with minor burn injuries and breathing-related complaints due to in haling fumes.

“At least 200 people were inside the club when the sparks were first noticed. It all started when a belly dance performance was underway. The performers used some cold pyro sticks which upon ignition leapt skywards and came in contact with the ceiling made of bamboo, fibre and grass-type material. This caused some sparks and fumes on the roof and within a few minutes, the whole place was burning,” one of them said, requesting anonymity.

The eyewitness pointed out that the first sparks were noticed around 11.30-11.45pm on Saturday. Recalling the horror, one of the worst fire incidents ata Goa nightclub, he said they were drawn by the disc jockey (DJ) who was set to play at the venue and performances by other popular entertainers.