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"Fireworks activity" near the stage remains the most plausible theory, but "conflicting" opinions have appeared during the probe, sources say
A four-member committee is conducting a magisterial inquiry into the lapses and has sought an extension to submit its report.
Investigators probing the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa’s Arpora, where 25 people were killed earlier this month, are yet to “conclusively” establish the cause of the blaze, The Indian Express has learnt. While “fireworks activity” near the stage in the deck area remains the most plausible theory, “conflicting” opinions have appeared during the probe, including the possibility of a short circuit in electrical systems above the main stage, it is learnt.
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According to investigators probing the lapses and circumstances that led to the fire, only a forensic report, which is awaited, shall conclusively establish how it started.
An investigator, requesting anonymity, said a belly dancer and her troupe, who were performing on the stage at the time, were summoned during the probe. “In their testimonies, the band performers, who used the fireworks, claimed that the electrical fireworks involved ‘cold’ pyro machines, which do not cause a fire. They used four such spark machines. They showed videos, claiming that similar fireworks were used in earlier performances at the club and other locations.”
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“However, zirconium powder used in those fireworks is often added arbitrarily, which can be flammable and lead to a mishap. The only other plausible explanation is a short circuit in electrical systems. So, there are divergent opinions regarding the cause of the fire,” a top official said.
A four-member committee is conducting a magisterial inquiry into the lapses and has sought an extension to submit its report.
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Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had earlier said that a preliminary inquiry indicated the fire was caused by “internal electrical fireworks”, which came into contact with the thatched bamboo roof and fibre sheets, and the inferno spread within a few minutes, engulfing the premises.
The technical fire safety incident report, compiled by the Fire Department in the immediate aftermath of the fire, said that 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”.
The inquiry report prepared so far is learnt to have flagged the irregularities and approvals by multiple agencies, which allowed Birch by Romeo Lane to operate. The Indian Express had on Saturday reported that at least seven approvals were given by the local panchayat in Arpora and government departments, which included trade, excise and food safety licences; a pollution body nod; and three no-objection certificates.
Pavneet Singh Chadha is the Goa Correspondent of The Indian Express, one of India's most respected national daily newspapers. His reporting focuses intensely on the state of Goa, covering major developments in politics, governance, and significant local events, which establishes his high degree of Expertise and Authority in the region. Expertise Geographic Expertise: As the Goa correspondent, Pavneet provides on-the-ground, comprehensive coverage of Goa's unique political, social, and cultural landscape, ensuring readers receive timely and localized insights. Key Coverage Focus: His recent work demonstrates deep investigative capabilities and a focus on high-impact stories, including: Investigative Reporting: Extensive coverage of complex events such as major incidents (e.g., the Goa nightclub fire), tracing the legal, political, and safety lapses involved. Government and Law Enforcement: Detailed tracking of police actions, deportations, and legal proceedings related to significant local cases. Policy and Governance: Reporting on the judiciary (e.g., Goa High Court flagging illegal structures) and the actions of government departments. He tweets @pub_neat ... Read More
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