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Goa, India – The state of Goa is in mourning following a terrifying nightclub fire that claimed the lives of 25 individuals, including staff members and tourists. A young professional performer who narrowly escaped the blaze has recounted the harrowing moments, emphasizing the critical role of a timely warning.
Kristina, a professional dancer from Kazakhstan, expressed her gratitude to God for surviving the incident during an interview with Indian media, stating that a quick warning from a staff member was the true reason her life was spared.
Kristina was on stage for her second performance when the fire suddenly erupted, allegedly following a short circuit. In a trembling voice, she described her terror: “The fire broke out during the performance, I was in shock, the music suddenly stopped, I panicked, trying to find an exit. I was just crying, my head was shaking.”
A video of her performance, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the scene descending into chaos and fear moments later. Kristina acknowledged that the club managers and staff tried to evacuate guests, with people running out hand-in-hand. However, her life was saved because, as she instinctively tried to go to her green room to change clothes, a colleague warned her not to go there because the fire was already spreading in that direction. Kristina believes she would not have survived if she had gone back.
According to Goa Police, the 25 fatalities include 4 tourists and 14 staff members, while 7 bodies remain unidentified. At least 6 injured individuals are receiving hospital treatment. Kristina emotionally shared that she could not control herself when she hugged her daughter upon returning home. Authorities are currently investigating the causes of the fire and the factors that contributed to its rapid spread.
