PERM, Russia: A blaze sparked by onstage fireworks tore through a nightclub ceiling covered in decorative twigs and plastic sheeting early Saturday, killing at least 109 people and critically injuring about 90 in Russia’s deadliest fire since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Many victims died in a panicked crush for the single exit as they attempted to escape the flames and thick black smoke.
Hundreds of people had gathered at the Lame Horse nightclub Friday night to celebrate the anniversary of the popular establishment’s opening in the industrial city of Perm in the Ural Mountains.
Video recorded by a clubgoer showed celebrants dancing before sparks from pyrotechnic fountains on stage ignited the club’s ceiling around midnight. Witness Svetlana Kuvshinova told The Associated Press that the blaze swiftly consumed twigs decorating the ceiling. Russian clubs and restaurants often cover ceilings with plastic insulation and a layer of willow twigs to create a rustic look.
“The fire took seconds to spread,” Kuvshinova said. “It was like a dry haystack. There was only one way out. They nearly stampeded me.”
Leonid Miroshnichenko, who lost his daughter in the fire, said that the plastic ceiling contributed to the death toll. “I would like to see the official who allowed this club to open. It was he who killed my daughter,” he said.
The footage showed the fire spreading through what appeared to be willow twigs as a host shouted without urgency: “Ladies and gentlemen, guests of the club, we are on fire. Please leave the hall!” The video showed people reluctantly heading toward the exit, some of them turning back to look at the burning ceiling. Within seconds they started rushing away in panic as flames begin to spread faster.
“There was only one exit, and people starting breaking down the doors to get out,” said a woman who identified herself only as Olga, smeared with soot and wearing a filthy fur coat. “They were breaking the door and panic set in. Everything was in smoke. I couldn’t see anything.”
Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Dmitry Medvedev by videoconference from Perm that the club managers violated the law by running the fireworks display that triggered the fire.
Authorities said they arrested the registered owner of the club and a manager and were looking for another four suspects.
“They have neither brains, nor conscience,” Medvedev said, urging the toughest possible punishment. He declared a national day of mourning for Monday.
