Russia - nightclub - deaths

Death toll at 109 in Russian nightclub fire

Article published on the 2009-12-05 Latest update 2009-12-05 12:20 TU

An image from video grab shows people rushing out of the Lame Horse nightclub in Perm, Russia
(Credit: Reuters)

A fire triggered by an indoor fireworks display at a nightclub in Russia killed 109 people and 133 were injured overnight Friday after around 230 clubgoers gathered to celebrate the club's eighth anniversary. Officials have ruled out a terrorist attack at the Lame Horse club in Perm. Residents said that the fire could have spread quickly because the venue was lined with straw, in keeping with a barn theme.

"There were fireworks set off at the scene, and one hit the plastic ceiling, setting everything ablaze. People panicked and succumbed to burns, the crush, and gas poisoning," the Perm region's Public Security Minister Igor Orlov told Russian news service ITAR-TASS at the scene of the fire.

Many of those who were killed died of smoke inhalation as they struggled to escape.

Promoters had apparently used "cold fireworks", which give off less heat and can be used indoors, according to investigators. These need to be used with careful preparation and care, however.

A video made at the festivities and broadcast on Russian television show the ceiling starting to smoke and catch fire as people realize what is going on and head for the exit.