Goa Nightclub Fire Kills 25: Electronic Crackers Blamed; Owners, Officials Held

• A fire at 'Burch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa on December 6 resulted in 25 deaths and 6 injuries.
• The fire was caused by an electronic firecracker igniting a temporary bamboo and palm leaf roof during a belly dance performance.
• Electronic firecrackers, used for visual effects, produce sparks that can ignite flammable materials despite being considered smoke-free.
• Contributing factors included a gas cylinder explosion, lack of emergency exits, and the club operating without proper permissions or safety checks.
• Club owners, a Panchayat Sarpanch, and three officials were arrested or suspended following the tragedy.

Why It Matters: It exposes how lax safety and electronic firecrackers can lead to mass casualties.