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The cause of the fire was not officially determined, but there is reason to believe that, at least in part, the highly flammable coolant used in the air conditioning units was to blame. Whether a short in the units caused the flammable gas to explode like a bomb, or the fire started from another source, the remaining fan pressure circulated the gasses throughout the venue expanding the fire.
The nightclub was also adorned with decorations consisting of elaborate palm trees and synthetic plants. These were all made of highly flammable materials that not only burned and spread fire quickly, but also produced a thick opaque smoke when ignited.
On the night of the fire, the club was operating at nearly two times its capacity. Although the club had been inspected by the Boston fire department several weeks prior to the fire and deemed safe, later investigations discovered that the club had been operating with out licenses or permits for capacity, food service, liquor or entertainment.
On the night of the fire, the owner was recovering at Mass General Hospital from a heart attack and was not present at the venue. None the less, a criminal investigation found the owner guilty of negligence and involuntary manslaughter. He would spend more than four years in prison before being pardoned by the Governor of Massachusetts. He died some months later, after release from prison.
