The República Cromagnon nightclub fire occurred while a band was performing, leading to a massive influx of people attempting to exit the venue as the flames spread rapidly. Reports indicate that the fire was ignited by flares set off during the concert, and the nightclub, which had inadequate fire safety measures, quickly filled with smoke and flames. Over 1,500 people were present in a building meant to hold around 1,000, creating a dangerously overcrowded environment.

Rescue operations faced significant hurdles due to the frantic crowd, and many individuals were unable to escape the panic. The tragedy unfolded in a matter of minutes, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. Emergency responders treated the injured in nearby hospitals, struggling to cope with the sheer number of victims.

The incident led to severe public backlash against the nightclub’s management and local authorities for failing to enforce safety regulations. Following the disaster, investigations revealed multiple safety violations, including locked emergency exits and overcrowded conditions that directly contributed to the high number of casualties.