Goa nightclub fire: Mita Nikki, popularly known as DJ Nicky, who was set to perform at Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane on the night of the incident that killed 25 people, has shared an emotional Instagram Story. She said that she is “okay and safe”.
‘Still shaken, heartbroken,’ says DJ
“Hey everyone… Just wanted to let you know I’m okay and safe,” DJ Nicky wrote in her Instagram Story, before adding that the incident took place even before she could reach the venue to perform at “Bollywood Banger Night”.
In the next few lines, she added, “Still shaken and heartbroken thinking about what happened. Praying for the souls we lost and for all those who are injured to recover soon.”
“Please keep them and their families in your prayers,” she further expressed.
Goa nightclub fire: 20 staffers, 5 tourists among dead
The fire at the nightclub claimed the lives of 25 people, of whom 20 were staff members and five were tourists. Among the victims were four members of a family from Delhi.
Initial reports suggesting that the fire started because of a cylinder blast were ruled out. Investigations now suggest the fire was triggered by “electric firecrackers” set off inside the venue around 11:45 pm on Saturday. Nearly 100 people were reportedly on the dance floor at the time, and a live performance was underway. DJ Nicky was also scheduled to perform.
Following the fire, people rushed downstairs towards the basement and became trapped with staff members in the kitchen, a tourist told PTI. A fire brigade official confirmed that most deaths were due to suffocation as the club had poor ventilation and had no emergency exit on the ground and deck floors. The basement had two staircases leading up to the first floor. Officials have stated that the club did not have the required fire department No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The Goa government has formed an inquiry committee, and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced compensation: Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who died and Rs 50,000 for the injured, from the State Disaster Management Authority.
Four people have been arrested so far, including gate manager Priyanshu Thakur, chief general manager Rajiv Modak (49), bar manager Rajveer Singhania (32), and general manager Vivek Singh (27). One employee, identified as Bharat (49) has been detained by the state police in Delhi.
The FIR names club owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra and other partners. Arrest warrants have been issued for the owners, and teams have been dispatched to Delhi to track them down.
