This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8396587.stm

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Russian explosion 'kills scores' Russian explosion 'kills scores'
(10 minutes later)
At least 101 people have died following an explosion at a nightclub in the Russian city of Perm, 1,400km (870 miles) east of Moscow.At least 101 people have died following an explosion at a nightclub in the Russian city of Perm, 1,400km (870 miles) east of Moscow.
Officials said they believed fireworks caused the blast and that most victims had died from smoke inhalation. Officials said fireworks caused the blast and that most victims had died from smoke inhalation.
More than 140 people were reported injured in the accident, which happened at 2315 local time (1815 GMT).More than 140 people were reported injured in the accident, which happened at 2315 local time (1815 GMT).
The Lame Horse nightclub had been celebrating its eighth anniversary, emergency services said.The Lame Horse nightclub had been celebrating its eighth anniversary, emergency services said.
Regional public security minister Igor Orlov told Itar-Tass news agency: "There were fireworks launched at the scene, and one hit the plastic ceiling, setting all ablaze. People panicked and succumbed to burns, general crush and gas poisoning."Regional public security minister Igor Orlov told Itar-Tass news agency: "There were fireworks launched at the scene, and one hit the plastic ceiling, setting all ablaze. People panicked and succumbed to burns, general crush and gas poisoning."
Russian state-run TV channel Vesti-24 showed bodies piled in the street outside the club.Russian state-run TV channel Vesti-24 showed bodies piled in the street outside the club.
Perm has a population of 1.2 million and is the sixth largest city in Russia.Perm has a population of 1.2 million and is the sixth largest city in Russia.
Planes despatchedPlanes despatched
A spokesman for the prosecutor-general's main investigative unit told Itar-Tass that it was not a terrorist attack.A spokesman for the prosecutor-general's main investigative unit told Itar-Tass that it was not a terrorist attack.
"We are talking about a failure to observe fire regulations," he said."We are talking about a failure to observe fire regulations," he said.
He added that a criminal investigation into a violation of the rules had been opened.He added that a criminal investigation into a violation of the rules had been opened.
Regional officials said that fireworks used at the party were too big for closed premises and were intended for outdoor use.Regional officials said that fireworks used at the party were too big for closed premises and were intended for outdoor use.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, said two planes equipped to transport people with serious burns were being sent to Perm.Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, said two planes equipped to transport people with serious burns were being sent to Perm.
Government officials were also leaving for the city, he said.Government officials were also leaving for the city, he said.
The BBC's Tom Esslemont, in Moscow, says Russia has a very poor fire safety record with hundreds of people dying in similar incidents every year.The BBC's Tom Esslemont, in Moscow, says Russia has a very poor fire safety record with hundreds of people dying in similar incidents every year.


Are you in the area? Did you witness the explosion? If you have any information you wish to share with the BBC, you can do so using the form below:Are you in the area? Did you witness the explosion? If you have any information you wish to share with the BBC, you can do so using the form below:
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions