Goa Nightclub Fire Survivors Describe Narrow Escape: 'We Were Lucky Our Cab Was Late'

A tragic fire at a nightclub in Arpora has shaken Goa at the height of the tourist season, leaving 25 people dead and several others injured. Survivors and families of the victims have gathered at Goa Medical College and Hospital as the state government launches a full investigation into the disaster.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has confirmed strict action against both the club's management and officials who allegedly overlooked clear safety violations.

Inquiry Ordered Into Safety Violations

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told PTI that initial findings point to non compliance of mandatory fire safety rules at the Arpora nightclub. The venue, which opened only last year and had quickly become a popular hangout for tourists and locals, is now at the centre of a major criminal probe.

"This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season," Sawant said. "We will conduct a detailed inquiry and stringent action will be taken against the guilty."

Officials have registered an FIR against the owner and general manager of the club, confirming that both will soon be arrested. The inquiry will also examine how the venue was permitted to operate despite the reported violations.

Pain and Shock Among Grieving Families

At Goa Medical College and Hospital, families of the victims awaited updates on injured relatives and mourned those who had died. Many described the devastating impact the fire has had on their households.

Narayan Mathur, who lost two nephews in the tragedy, said, "Those were my nephews, sons of my elder brother. Both of them died. They worked in the kitchen of the restaurant. A neighbour also died in the fire. All of us belonged to Jharkhand."

Police confirmed that the 25 deaths include four tourists and 14 staff members. Identification efforts are ongoing for the remaining seven victims whose details are yet to be verified.

Survivor Accounts Highlight Narrow Escapes

Several survivors recounted how chance circumstances saved their lives. Dr Avanish, a tourist from Delhi, said he escaped only because of an unexpected delay. "Actually, we got lucky because our cab driver was late, or else we would have been there," he said.

Investigators noted that many victims were trapped inside as the fire spread rapidly through the structure, giving them little time to escape. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, though early suspicion points to the nightclub's failure to meet fire safety norms.

Probe Continues as Accountability Promised

Police and fire officials are continuing their investigation to establish what triggered the blaze and whether negligence by the club's management or regulatory bodies contributed to the tragedy.

"We are investigating and legal action is being taken," an official said.

The Goa government has assured families that the inquiry will be comprehensive and that every responsible party will face accountability.