News / Americas

Survivors Help Police Probe Brazil Nightclub Blaze

A makeshift memorial that include pictures of the victims of the Kiss nightclub fatal fire is seen inside the gymnasium where a collective funeral was held a day earlier, in Santa Maria, Brazil, January 29, 2013.
A makeshift memorial that include pictures of the victims of the Kiss nightclub fatal fire is seen inside the gymnasium where a collective funeral was held a day earlier, in Santa Maria, Brazil, January 29, 2013.
TEXT SIZE - +
VOA News
Police in Santa Maria, Brazil, have allowed some witnesses of a deadly nightclub fire back into the club to assist officers investigating the circumstances of Sunday's blaze that killed 235 people.

After surveying the area Wednesday, police confirmed that the fire originated in an area where pyrotechnics were used.

Survivors say a band member shot fireworks toward the ceiling, triggering the blaze that engulfed the building. Police say there was no emergency lighting, the only fire extinguisher available was not working, and the only exit was partially blocked.

The club was packed with people when the fire broke out. Many who tried to flee were overcome by smoke inhalation or were trampled while trying to find the exit.

More than 100 other people were injured. Medical officials say dozens of them remain in critical condition.

A makeshift memorial has formed outside the club in remembrance of the victims. Police have arrested two club owners and two members of the band.

Police say one of the club owners tried unsuccessfully to hang himself this week while in custody.

You May Like

North Korea Launches Short-Range Missiles into Sea

The South's Defense Ministry says it detected two launches Saturday morning, followed by another in the afternoon More

Scientists Race to Contain Malaria: New Discoveries, More Resistance

World Health Organization is warning about dire consequences if drug-resistant form of malaria spreads beyond southeast Asia More

Photogallery US: Russian Missile Shipments to Syria 'Very Unfortunate'

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, says missiles will embolden Assad and prolong suffering in Syria More

More Americas News

Indian, Brazilian Nationals Sentenced in US for Human Smuggling

Prosecutors say the two charged Indian citizens up to $60,000 for providing them passage into the United States
More

Former Argentine Dictator Videla Dies in Prison

Rights expert says 'dirty war' secrets die with 87-year-old military junta chief, who was unrepentant to end about kidnappings, killings
More

Video Cleaning Vietnam Memorial Proves Healing for Veterans

Rolling Thunder volunteers clean wall once a month from April through October
More

Brazil Indians occupy cattle ranch in widening land dispute

Terena Indians' occupation of former congressman's ranch is the latest flashpoint in the clash between agriculture and indiginous policies
More

Peru Foreign Minister Quits Over Health After Venezuela Spat

Official says Foreign Minister Rafael Roncagliolo resigns over health reasons
More

Cuba Readies Corruption Trials of Western Businessmen

Cases involving charges against Canadian, British executives have strained diplomatic relations
More