Global General

Russian nightclub fire death toll reaches 141

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-11 22:49

MOSCOW: The death toll from last weekend's nightclub fire in the Ural city of Perm has risen to 141, Russian news agencies reported Friday.

The toll was revised after two more people died in hospitals in St. Petersburg, a spokesman from the Perm regional administration was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency and RIA Novosti.

Among the two dead was the wife of the "Lame Horse" club's art director. Four people, including the art director, the club owner, the executive director and a pyrotechnics supplier, have been arrested in connection with the fire.

Another suspect who leased the club from the owner, died Wednesday from injuries suffered in the fire.

Around 90 people remain hospitalized, many in critical condition, the reports said.

Meanwhile, negligence charges were filed Friday against two more senior emergencies and fire safety officials in Perm, where a host of other officials were dismissed earlier this week.

The Perm regional government resigned on Thursday, though everybody retained their posts on an "acting" basis.

Flames sparked by indoor fireworks swept through the "Lame Horse" nightclub early Saturday. Some 230 partygoers choked on smoke as they tried to flee through the club's single exit.