Global General

Russian nightclub fire death toll climbs to 121

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-09 20:02

MOSCOW: The death toll from last weekend's nightclub fire in Russia's Ural city of Perm has risen to 121, the regional government said on Wednesday.

The toll was revised up after three more victims, including Alexander Titlyanov, a suspect in the tragedy, died in hospital, the regional government said in a statement.

Many of the 111 people that remain hospitalized are in critical condition.

Flames sparked by the indoor fireworks swept through the Lame Horse nightclub early Saturday. Some 230 party-goers stampeded and choked on smoke as they attempted to escape through the club's single exit.

Police have arrested the club's co-owner, executive director, and art director and a businessmen hired to install pyrotechnics. The four face charges of manslaughter and violations of fire safety rules.

The head of the regional fire safety watchdog and six of his subordinates have been dismissed over the incident.