Disco death toll hits 190
2005-01-08 12:04
Buenos Aires - The death toll in a fire at a Buenos Aires nightclub rose to 190 on Friday, a week after the blaze, with the deaths of a 15-year-old girl and 19-year-old man.
About 700 people, mostly youths, were injured in the December 30 fire, which was started when a boy at a rock concert there lit firecrackers. About 100 people were still receiving treatment in hospital.
The night before the two most recent deaths, 7 000 people demonstrated for the resignation of Mayor Anibal Ibarra.
The protesters said corruption caused the fire, arguing the club owners broke city regulations while officials looked the other way. For instance, emergency exits were locked, the club was filled with too many spectators and insulation that was highly flammable and used against city regulations fed the fire.
Some demonstrators clashed with police, leading to 42 arrests.
Ibarra has refused to resign. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA