Anatomy of a blaze: ‘Combustible interiors, flammable furniture’ contributed to Goa nightclub fire’s rapid spread

The technical fire safety incident report, compiled by the Fire Department, said the tragedy reflects a critical failure in fire prevention engineering, regulatory compliance and life safety preparedness.

The report said that while 25 people were killed in the incident, 20 were successfully rescued. It said the fatalities were consistent with exposure to toxic smoke and oxygen-deficient conditions, which are commonly observed in enclosed-space fires, particularly in basement compartments. “It was further observed that the basement had inadequate ventilation and obstructed means of egress, which contributed to the entrapment of the victims,” it said.

The department said that as per its records, the establishment had not obtained a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department, indicating non-compliance with mandatory fire safety regulations.

“Basements represent high-risk zones due to limited natural ventilation, delayed smoke stratification, restricted egress routes, and rapid accumulation of toxic combustion products such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon dioxide. The casualty figures strongly indicate that tenability conditions in the basement deteriorated within critical minutes of fire growth,” it said.

“The basement configuration would have allowed rapid smoke accumulation, high concentration of carbon monoxide, zero-visibility conditions in escape routes and flashover conditions in enclosed compartments. These conditions are consistent with fatal smoke exposure within minutes of ignition,” it added.

The report said the fire appears to have transitioned rapidly from the incipient stage to the fully developed stage due to the presence of highly combustible interior finishes (wooden panels, partitions, decor), high fuel load density in the restaurant and bar areas, presence of flammable furnishings and plastics, and potential ignition sources from electrical installations and external ignition activities.

“Prima facie observations indicate possible short-circuiting in electrical systems located above the main stage, supported by combustible internal furnishings… Prima facie observations also indicated that fireworks activity was being undertaken on the external frontage of the premises at the relevant time,” it said.

The report said that at 11.45 pm, information regarding a fire outbreak at the premises was received by Mapusa fire control room and upon arrival, it was observed that the basement and ground floor of the restaurant, covering approximately 300 square metres, were actively involved in fire, causing damage to restaurant structures, interior furnishings, and electrical installations. “The fire had already developed significantly by the time of arrival. The fire was subsequently brought under control and completely extinguished by 4.45 am,” it said.