The deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Goa, that claimed 25 lives on Sunday night has drawn nationwide attention, including to the Mumbai-based DJ who was scheduled to perform at the venue. Professionally known as DJ Nicky, her real name is Mita Nikki. She regularly performs at nightlife venues across India and was listed to headline an event at the club on the night of the incident.

DJ Nicky confirmed she was safe and unharmed, posting on Instagram that she had not yet reached the venue when the fire broke out. “Hey everyone… just wanted to let you know I’m okay and safe,” she wrote. She expressed being shaken by the loss of life and said she was praying for the victims and those injured. According to her, the incident occurred while she was still en route to the club.

The tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane, located approximately 25 kilometres from Panaji in Arpora, unfolded around midnight. Authorities reported that the fire spread rapidly through the structure, leaving little time for escape. Of the 25 lives lost, 20 were staff members of the club, and five were tourists, including four from Delhi—three from the same family—and one from Karnataka. All victims were identified by Sunday evening. Emergency responders described the scene as chaotic, with the fire engulfing the club almost immediately.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial reports suggested a gas-cylinder explosion near the kitchen may have triggered the blaze. However, eyewitness accounts later indicated that it may have started on the dance floor during a stage act involving indoor pyrotechnics or firecrackers. In response, the Goa government suspended three senior officials linked to the nightclub, citing alleged lapses that allowed the club to operate despite regulatory concerns since its opening in 2023.

DJ Nicky’s statements have helped clarify that she was unharmed and not present at the venue during the fire, but the incident has underscored broader concerns regarding safety standards and accountability in India’s nightlife and entertainment venues. The ongoing investigation is expected to focus on lapses in regulatory compliance, fire safety measures, and the circumstances that allowed one of Goa’s deadliest nightclub fires to occur.

This tragedy has not only highlighted safety gaps in nightclubs but also brought attention to the lives of those who work in India’s nightlife industry, including performers like DJ Nicky, staff, and support personnel, whose safety remains a critical concern.