The Goa nightclub fire exposed deadly structural and safety failures that left most victims trapped with toxic smoke. A deadly fire swept through a nightclub in Goa. Officials have stated that suffocation was the primary cause of death for the twenty-five victims. Many of the victims were trapped in the basement. The fire originated on the dance floor during a celebratory event, and the speed at which the smoke spread through the club’s enclosed areas ultimately forced many people to flee downstairs to escape. Unfortunately, toxic fume inhalation claimed their lives before firefighters could reach them.
The Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub was hosting an overcrowded event. Witnesses reported that flames had suddenly erupted on or near the dance floor, and tourists panicked as the narrow avenues impeded their escape. In one account, a witness named Fatima Shaikh explained, “There was a big commotion when the flames started shooting up.” Additionally, constructions made from palm tree trunks (makeshift palm structures) ignited rapidly. The narrow entry to the club added to the length of time it took for people to evacuate the club. Because firefighters had to go on many narrow paths to reach the scene, firefighters’ trucks came to the scene well away from the actual fire. As a result, the smoke was able to overwhelm the victims before rescue operations could progress.
Any smoking or inhalation of smoke over a period of time can be extremely harmful to people. The initial asphyxiation of the victims was caused by inhaling carbon monoxide and other toxic gases created by the fire.
Why does smoke kill faster inside enclosed public spaces
Since oxygen is consumed by fires, the air we breathe is quickly changed. Within minutes, the victim’s lungs are filled with toxic gases that quickly enter their bloodstream. The experience can be so fast that the victim collapses before they even know that there is a problem. The heat of the fire will only increase the injurious effect of inhalation on the lungs and the respiratory airway. In addition, the fact that a large number of people are in an enclosed area can kill many of those people in a very short amount of time.
Fire officials believe that narrow spaces provide a high level of accumulation of smoke. Many toxic substances produced from burnt plastics, such as hydrogen cyanide, will also block the delivery of oxygen to the body. The National Fire Protection Association Guidelines warn that the incapacitating effect of smoke is greater than that of flames. Superheated air can cause death within a few minutes. Therefore, if exits are limited, an enclosed area, such as a nightclub, can be extremely dangerous. According to investigators, an entrance to this nightclub caused delays in the evacuation process.
How patrons can improve survival chances after tragedies like the Goa nightclub fire
Upon entering a venue, it is highly recommended by specialists to identify the nearest escape routes. Staying low is effective in avoiding the smoke that is collecting in the atmosphere. Tracing walls for exit signs or using a steady directional approach is usually effective. The use of a wet cloth placed over the mouth may reduce how much smoke is inhaled. Movement should be diagonal in relation to the crowd pattern, eliminating the potential for being crushed if the crowd were to move in a straight line. Crowds should also never use an elevator to escape a fire, as the elevator shaft collects smoke and increases the risk of individuals dying in an emergency situation. Staff training is essential to ensure consistent emergency coordination. Individuals are encouraged to enforce compliance to prevent future tragedies.
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