A night of music, dance, and celebration at Goa’s popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane turned into a scene of horror in the early hours of Sunday, leaving 25 people dead and six others injured. Among those caught in the deadly blaze was Kristina, a professional dancer from Kazakhstan, who was performing on stage when the fire erupted. Her first-hand account provides a chilling insight into the chaos and fear that unfolded during one of the worst nightclub disasters in Goa’s history.

A Night of Joy Turns Deadly

The nightclub, located in Arpora village, North Goa, is known for its vibrant nightlife, attracting tourists and locals alike. On the fateful night, nearly 100 tourists were on the dance floor while a dance performance was underway. Kristina, a professional belly dancer, had just begun her routine when smoke and flames suddenly erupted from the ceiling above the stage.

In an interview with India Today, Kristina described the initial moments of the fire: “The fire started during my performance because of a short circuit. I was shocked. The music suddenly stopped, and I didn’t understand what happened. I started looking for the exit. I was just crying; my head was shaking.” The sudden panic left many guests scrambling for safety as flames rapidly spread across the nightclub’s interior.

A video shared on social media showed Kristina and her fellow performers trying to vacate the stage as flames appeared from the roof. In the footage, she can be seen belly dancing as the band plays, before the sudden eruption of fire forces the performers and guests to stop abruptly and rush toward the exits. Kristina recalled that members of her crew and the nightclub staff acted swiftly, helping guests evacuate before the fire could engulf the entire floor. Her life was reportedly saved when a crew member prevented her from entering the green room, which had already been overtaken by the blaze.

Eyewitness Accounts and Fire Causes

Eyewitnesses provided further details on the circumstances leading up to the fire. One survivor, identified as Riya, told the Press Trust of India that fireworks were set off while the dancers were performing. “This might have caused the blaze. There was complete chaos and a stampede-like situation. We left our phones and shoes inside as we scrambled to get out of the premises,” she said.

According to Goa fire officials, the majority of the 25 fatalities resulted from suffocation, as many victims were trapped on the ground floor and were unable to escape through the narrow exits. The blaze, fueled by electric short circuits and possibly firecrackers, quickly turned the nightclub into a death trap, leaving a lasting impression on survivors. Kristina, reflecting on her escape, said, “God saved me,” emphasizing the harrowing minutes she spent amidst the inferno.

Government Response and Relief Measures

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Goa Chief Minister confirmed that the fire had been triggered by electric short circuits and firecrackers. A special investigation panel has been formed to probe the incident, with a report expected within a week.

The state government announced ex-gratia relief of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000 each. This move aims to provide immediate financial support to those affected, although the emotional and psychological scars remain profound for survivors and the victims’ families.

Legal Action and Accountability

Authorities have taken swift action against those deemed responsible for the incident. The manager of the nightclub and three staff members have been arrested, while the club owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, have been named in the FIR. Additionally, the panchayat sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa, Roshan Redkar, has been detained for issuing a trade license for the nightclub in 2013, highlighting potential lapses in regulatory oversight that may have contributed to the disaster.

Investigators are now examining the sequence of events that allowed such a catastrophic fire to occur in a popular, frequently visited venue. Early findings suggest that narrow exits, overcrowding, and poor safety compliancesignificantly worsened the impact of the fire. The tragedy has reignited debates on safety standards for nightclubs and public venues in Goa, a state famous for its vibrant tourism and nightlife.

Survivors’ Stories: Chaos and Heroism

Kristina’s story is just one among many harrowing accounts of survival. The rapid spread of flames created panic on the crowded dance floor, prompting people to act instinctively to save themselves and others. Several staff members risked their lives guiding tourists toward exits, while some guests helped others navigate through smoke-filled corridors. The heroism displayed by performers and staff amid the chaos has been widely acknowledged by survivors and authorities alike.

For Kristina, the ordeal was deeply traumatic. She recounted how, even after escaping the immediate danger, the shock of the fire lingered. “I was crying, shaking. I couldn’t believe this was happening. One moment we were dancing, enjoying the night, and the next we were running for our lives,” she said.

Impact on Tourism and Local Community

The incident has also raised concerns about safety at tourist hotspots, particularly in nightlife venues. Birch by Romeo Lane, a well-known destination for domestic and international tourists, drew a mix of locals and visitors, underscoring the vulnerability of crowded entertainment spaces to emergencies. The fire has prompted calls from experts and safety advocates to re-evaluate licensing procedures, emergency exits, and fire safety equipment in nightclubs across Goa.

Local authorities are now focused on supporting survivors, addressing public fear, and implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The disaster has highlighted the urgent need for rigorous safety audits and stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in entertainment venues throughout the state.

Looking Ahead: Investigations and Preventive Measures

As Goa mourns the loss of 25 lives, authorities are under pressure to investigate regulatory failures and ensure accountability. The state government’s promise of a detailed report within a week reflects the urgency of understanding the fire’s causes and preventing future tragedies. Experts suggest that improving infrastructure, enforcing fire safety codes, and providing emergency training for staff can significantly reduce risks in crowded public spaces.

The stories of survivors like Kristina serve as poignant reminders of the fragility of human life amid unexpected disasters. While legal proceedings, compensation, and rehabilitation are underway, the emotional recovery for those involved may take months or even years.

As investigations continue, the incident has become a critical case study in fire safety management, emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight for nightlife venues in India. For Kristina and other survivors, the memory of that night will remain vivid, a stark reminder of how swiftly joy can turn into tragedy, and how courage and prompt action can mean the difference between life and death.

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