it's only a pub, but the crowd on that night was almost more than twice it's limited capacity, all the party goers packed inside like sardines. even if somebody farted, the fumes also can't escape. so, when the fire break out, i think the ppl mistaken it as part of the pyrotechnic.
anyway, it's a sad start for 2009, especially for the NOK of the departed. deepeset condolence to them