This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34684973

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Bucharest nightclub fire: 'At least 25 killed' Bucharest nightclub fire leaves Romania stunned
(about 1 hour later)
At least 25 people have been killed after fire broke out at a nightclub in the Romanian capital Bucharest, government officials say. At least 27 people have been killed after fire broke out at a nightclub in the Romanian capital Bucharest, government officials say.
Romanian media said a large fire took hold at the Colectiv club on Friday night, leading to a stampede for the exit. Romanian media said a large fire took hold at the Colectiv club on Friday night, causing a stampede for the exit.
Health Secretary Raed Arafat said 145 people were being treated in hospital, the state news agency reported. Emergency response chief Raed Arafat said 155 people were being treated in hospital.
Initial reports suggested fireworks may have been let off inside the club. Reports suggest the cause of the blaze may have been fireworks that were let off inside the club.
Witnesses told local TV that the explosion came after a spark on a stage where a band was performing ignited some of the polystyrene decor. Witnesses said a spark on a stage where a band was performing ignited some of the polystyrene decor. A pillar and the club's ceiling caught fire and there was an explosion and heavy smoke, they added.
Another witness told Reuters news agency that a pillar and the club's ceiling caught fire, and then there was an explosion and heavy smoke. "People were fainting, they were fainting from the smoke. It was total chaos, people were trampling on each other," Victor Ionescu, who was at the club, told local TV station Antena 3.
Up to 400 people may have been inside the club, which was hosting a rock concert. Up to 400 people may have been inside the club, which was hosting a free rock concert.
"There was a stampede of people running out of the club," one man who escaped without shoes told Reuters. Local journalist Sorin Bogdan told the BBC the club was in a converted former factory with two small exit doors, only one of which was possible to open initially.
A witness quoted by Romania's state news agency said terrified concertgoers had to break the second door down to escape.
Many of those being treated in hospital were suffering from smoke inhalation and severe burns, health officials said.
Romania's President Klaus Iohannis wrote on his Facebook page that he was "deeply grieved by the tragic events that happened this evening in downtown."Romania's President Klaus Iohannis wrote on his Facebook page that he was "deeply grieved by the tragic events that happened this evening in downtown."
He added: "It is a very sad day for all of us, for our nation and for me personally."He added: "It is a very sad day for all of us, for our nation and for me personally."