Scores killed in nightclub fire in Santa Maria, Brazil (180+)

[The Straight Story]

At least 180 people have died in a fire that swept through a nightclub in southern Brazil, police say.

They say the fire began when a band on stage started a fireworks display at the Kiss nightclub in the city of Santa Maria, in Rio Grande do Sul state.

Reports say there was only one exit and panic spread as people tried to get out. Many victims reportedly died from inhaling toxic fumes.

The fire is now out and bodies are being removed from the scene.

"Fire services are looking for other victims. We can't give an exact number of victims. People started panicking and ended up treading on each other," fire chief Guido de Melo told local media.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21220308

[polly7]

1. How awful. I just heard there may be many more dead than they first thought. So sad. nt.