Romania: Death toll in nightclub fire rises to 41

(Baonghean.vn) - According to Reuters news agency, 9 more people died in a fire at a nightclub in Romania on October 30, bringing the total number of deaths to 41.

DozensThousands of Romanians took to the streets to protest after a nightclub fire on October 30. Photo: Reuters

Romania's interim Prime Minister Sorin Cimpeanu said nearly 100 people remained in hospital and more than 40 of them were in critical condition.

On November 7, prosecutors said they had arrested Cristian Popescu Piedone, the mayor of the Bucharest district where the fire broke out. Adding to the indictment was the granting of a license to the nightclub despite its failure to meet safety standards. Piedone resigned under pressure from the protests.

The nightclub owner was taken into custody on November 2. Several local officials and the owner of the fireworks company are also under investigation.

The fire broke out on October 30 as about 400 people gathered for a free rock concert by the band Goodbye to Gravity. Fireworks were set off and ignited foam decorations in the nightclub.

Tens of thousands of Romanians then took to the streets across the country, denouncing corruption and the government's failure to monitor safety. The protests continued after several members of the government's cabinet resigned.

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters)