- By Priyanka Koul
- Sun, 07 Dec 2025 09:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Goa Nightclub Fire: A Kazakh dancer who survived the deadly fire at a nightclub in Arpora, Goa, has opened up about her terrifying experience, breaking down as she recalled the moment the flames erupted during her performance.
Kristina, a professional performer, told India Today that she is “thankful to be alive” after a crew member’s quick thinking prevented her from walking directly into danger.
At the time, Kristina was on stage for her second performance at Birch by Romeo Lane when the fire ignited, allegedly due to a short circuit.
“The fire started during my performance because of a short circuit. I was shocked. The music suddenly stopped, and I didn’t understand what happened. I started looking for the exit,” she shared with the publication. “I was just crying, my head was shaking.”
A video of her dancing just moments before the fire broke out went viral, capturing the drastic shift from celebration to panic.
Kristina explained that the club staff and management acted quickly, guiding patrons toward the exits as the fire spread. “People started running towards the exit. Hotel staff helped. People helped each other,” she recalled.
She credited a crew member with saving her life, as she instinctively tried to rush to the green room to change, but was stopped. “My first instinct was to go to my changing room. But my crew member said, ‘Don’t go there.’ The fire was already at that location. That saved my life,” she said.
Once back home, the gravity of the situation hit her. “When I came home and hugged my daughter, I was thankful to be alive,” Kristina added.
The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members, with the identities of seven others still under investigation. Six individuals were injured and are receiving medical care. Authorities are continuing to investigate how the fire spread so quickly.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the club's owner and general manager, while the state government has ordered a thorough inquiry.