The North Goa administration has banned all fireworks inside nightclubs, hotels and tourist establishments. The decision came days after a major fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora killed 25 people.

Fire Claims 25 Lives

The fire broke out on Saturday night. It killed 20 staff members and five tourists. The nightclub is linked to brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. Authorities have detained them for questioning.

Officials said electric fireworks from pyro guns triggered the blaze. Performers used them during a dance act inside the crowded venue.

Police Make Arrests as Owners Flee

Police have arrested five managers and staff members in the case. Soon after the fire, officers learned that the Luthra brothers had flown to Phuket, Thailand on an IndiGo flight.

Their escape came during a period of heavy IndiGo cancellations that left passengers stranded across airports.

Officials said the brothers booked their tickets on MakeMyTrip at 1:17 am on December 7. At that moment, firefighters and police were still trying to control the flames and rescue people.

“Even as the Goa Police and Goa Fire Services were battling to douse the fire and rescue the people trapped inside, the Luthra brothers were preparing to flee the country,” an official said.

Goa Begins Crackdown

After the fire, the chief minister ordered the demolition of the Luthra-owned Vagator beach shack. The demolition began on Tuesday evening.

A day later, he warned that the government would cancel licences of hotels, clubs and other establishments if they failed to follow fire safety rules.