Pink Punters: ‘The roof was like a matchstick’ – Club goer opens on fire at LGBT+ nightclub near Milton Keynes

A clubgoer said security staff “dragged” people from an LGBT+ nightclub in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, with the venue “lit up like a matchstick” during the fire.

Emergency services were called to Pink Punters just after 2am on Sunday as firefighters continued to battle the large blaze that had spread through the building.

Thames Valley Police said a 51-year-old man from Bletchley was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody.

Lester Jay was in the Pinks’ “packed” cellar, as it was known locally, when he first noticed security yelling at the crowd to get out.

Mr Jay said: Press Association: “It was really packed downstairs, I’d say there were a few hundred people in the basement.

“From security you could immediately feel and see that this was not a drill, but a real-life scenario.

“I was standing near the fire door and he was one of the first people to come out, but then everyone was pouring out from everywhere and you immediately turn around and see the house in flames.

“When we stood outside, embers were raining down all over the parking lot, it was like it was raining fire. So they had to make the decision to move everyone away from the area.”

On Monday, smoke continued to rise from the building as firefighters hosed down the debris.

While the club’s façade remains, its roof is completely gone and the charred interior can be seen.

Mr Jay said: “It was really crazy how the roof was like a matchstick and it just went up.

“There were fights with drunk people, but the security were so professional at getting everyone to safety that they were dragging drunk people out who were moaning because they wanted to go get their coats.

“Even though the fire broke out from the roof, there were still people trying to get in.

“I have seen horrific videos of bars and clubs catching fire, stampedes and people piled on top of each other and burned.

“I couldn’t help but think that something like this could have happened there if the staff hadn’t been so well trained to evacuate people quickly and safely. It was incredible.”

Janet, who has been to the club many times before, went to see the wreckage on Monday and said she was devastated.

Referring to the fire that broke out in a bar in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana ski resort in January and killed 41 people, Janet said: “We are very lucky that they followed their fire procedures and everyone got out safely.

“We all saw the terrible situation in Switzerland where children were burned, we are very lucky that no one was injured.”

Frank McMahon, owner of Pink Punters, said in a statement: “Around the world, nightclub fires have often caused devastating human loss. Tonight, we are all deeply grateful that this is not the case here.”

“Pink Punters has always been about people, not just bricks and mortar. The building may be gone but the family, memories, spirit and love remain.

“And let me be clear: Pink Bookies will be back.”

Despite the experience, Mr Jay said he was excited about the club being rebuilt.

He said: “I am very happy and the community is very happy to hear the owner say ‘we will rebuild’.

“Her statement gave me goosebumps and of course I will be a returning customer to support Pinks when it returns.”