India, Dec. 7 -- It was meant to be a night of partying and fun for a group of four friends from Karnataka who chose to spend Saturday night at the ill-fated Birch by Romeo Lane at Arpora along the north Goa coast.

The friends, who declined to be identified, and all in their early 20s, said they were drawn by the DJ, who was to play at the venue, said the night that began on a festive note turned ghastly within minutes as the fire, which began above the stage, quickly engulfed the whole club leaving little time to escape.

"At least 200 people were in the club at the time the fire was noticed. During a bellydance performance, the performers used cold pyro sticks, which upon ignition leapt skywards and came in contact with the ceiling tha...