fireworks-romania

27 dead & over 140 hospitalized after fire broke out at metal show in Romania

photo of the fireworks taking off, posted by Vlad Busca on Facebook
Romania fire

According to the BBC, 27 people were killed and over 140 were hospitalized after a fire broke out at a metal band’s show in Bucharest, Romania last night. The band, Goodbye to Gravity, had reportedly set off fireworks during their set which caused the ceiling and a pillar to catch fire. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, “We already have indications that the legal regulations had not been respected.”

One attendee, Delia Tugui, wrote on Facebook (via USA Today):

In 30 seconds…the fire spread all over the ceiling. People rushed to the entrance but it was too narrow, and people panicked. Behind me people stampeded, climbing over each other, to try and get out. Friends were looking for each other under the pile of people. Asking ‘Is it you? Where are you? I can’t see you. Is that your arm?’ It was a nightmare. I realized that those on the other side of the bar would not get out alive.

The BBC article also points out that witness Victor Ionescu said people were fainting because of the smoke and being trampled.

According to Ziarul De Iasi via Blabbermouth, Goodbye To Gravity’s guitarists Vlad Telea and Mihai Alexandru were among the 27 that were killed.

The country has declared three days of national mourning in honor of the victims.