Panaji: A jampacked nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of government officials in enforcing rules.

Fireworks were the likely cause of the blaze at `Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub at Arpora, 25 km from Panaji, officials said, adding that four of its staff members were arrested and owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, named in the FIR, too, would be taken into custody soon.

At least six people were injured in the incident. The deceased included four tourists and 14 employees, some of them from Jharkhand, while the identity of the remaining seven was yet to be established, police said.

The club, which stands in the backwater of the Arpora river,

See Full Page