A devastating fire at a Goa nightclub was intensified by its wooden structure and furniture, leaving many trapped as the club had only two exit gates, police sources said on Sunday. There was no blast, officials clarified, the blaze spread rapidly because of the combustible interiors.
At least 25 people were killed, with investigators confirming that most deaths occurred due to suffocation inside the underground kitchen area. Of the 25 bodies, 23 showed no burn injuries, indicating victims died from a sudden loss of oxygen, while only two bodies were badly charred, officials added.
A police source said post-mortem examinations of 17 bodies have been completed, and six bodies have already been handed over to families for final rites. The list of deceased persons has been compiled for identification and handover procedures.
Police have so far arrested four people, including the gate manager identified as Thakur. An FIR has been registered against club owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, and arrest warrants have been issued. A police team has been dispatched to Delhi to track down the owners, who are believed to be absconding.
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Sources confirmed that the owner of the club is originally from Delhi, and Goa Police has launched search operations there to detain him.
Authorities said officials who granted the club’s trade licence and permissions will face suspension and a police inquiry, as questions mount over safety violations and regulatory lapses.
In a humanitarian move, the bodies of three victims from Jharkhand were airlifted to Ranchi in a special aircraft arranged by the Goa government, ensuring they were returned to their families swiftly.
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