27 dead, 180 wounded in blast at Bucharest nightclub
At least 27 dead, 180 wounded in blast at Bucharest nightclub
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At least 27 people have been killed and more than 180 others have been injured after an explosion tore through a popular nightclub in the Romanian capital of Bucharest. (more)
More than 400 people were inside the Colectiv club in the city's Old Town during a performance by Romanian metalcore band "Goodbye to Gravity," which had invited its fans to a free 9 p.m. concert to mark the release of their new album. The explosion happened just after 10:30 p.m.
Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea told reporters that at least 27 people had been killed in the blast, and authorities indicated that the death toll could rise further. Some 180 people were taken to hospitals across Bucharest, including 25 people who were critically injured, Deputy Interior Minister Raed Arafat said. A code red emergency plan has been initiated.
Authorities said that fireworks were believed to have hit the ceiling and affected the club's electronics, resulting in a larger explosion and fire that caused a stampede as people desperately tried to flee. The band's Facebook page promised a "customized light show with pyrotechnics" during Friday's show, which was to be followed by a Halloween after-party.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, writing on his official Facebook account, said he was shocked and deeply saddened by the deadly incident. "It is a very sad moment for all of us, for our nation and for me personally," Iohannis said. "At this painful time, I express my full compassion and solidarity with the families of those affected by this tragedy."
Other details were not immediately known.
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A photo on Instagram showed the scene shortly before the explosion:
RIP
