WATCH: New video shows electronic firecracker triggered deadly blaze at Goa nightclub

Goa nightclub fire

A newly surfaced video from inside Goa’s Romeo Night Club, also known as Birch by Romeo Lane, has offered the clearest view so far of how the devastating fire that killed 25 people broke out on Saturday night.

The footage, which came to light on Monday, shows an electronic firecracker being set off during a belly dance and live music performance. Moments later, sparks from the device shoot upward and touch the bamboo-lined ceiling.

Within seconds, flames begin racing across the upper parts of the club. The video closely matches an earlier clip that appeared online on Sunday from another angle.

A new video from inside Goa’s Romeo Night Club, also known as Birch by Romeo Lane, has provided the clearest indication yet of how the massive fire that killed 25 people on Saturday night began. The footage, which emerged on Monday, shows an electronic firecracker being set off… pic.twitter.com/wqMYYpLDFR

— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) December 8, 2025

That footage had also pointed to sparks from an electronic firecracker as the possible cause of the blaze, challenging initial reports that suggested a gas cylinder explosion.

The nightclub’s interior, made of highly flammable materials such as bamboo slats and palm leaves, appears to have played a major role in the rapid spread of the fire. Officials said the flames moved across the ceiling almost immediately after coming into contact with these materials, quickly turning the crowded venue into a deadly trap around 11.45 pm.

At the time of the fire, the club was full of weekend partygoers, with nearly 100 people believed to be on the dance floor. As panic broke out, thick smoke filled the basement and ground-floor kitchen areas. Many people, including tourists and staff members, rushed downstairs in an attempt to escape, but several became trapped when exits were blocked or difficult to find.

A fire brigade official stated that most of the victims died due to suffocation and the inability to locate a clear way out. The rescue and firefighting efforts were also affected by poor access to the area.

Water tankers had to be placed almost 400 metres away because of the narrow approach roads. The club’s small doors and a narrow bridge at the entrance made evacuation even more difficult.

Investigations have revealed that the nightclub did not have a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department and had failed to follow basic safety rules. Police have arrested the club’s chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur.

An FIR has also been registered against the owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, along with the event organisers.

In addition, three senior government officials have been suspended for permitting the club to operate without proper approval.