The thought that hundred of people died in a fire that erupted in a club is inconceivable, but tragically it happened.  A fire broke out inside a popular club in Brazil and left more than 200 people dead.

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Tragically, a fire took the lives of more than 200 people at the Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil early Sunday morning.  According to reports by CNN Sana Maria is a college town and home to a number of universities and colleges, including the Federal University of Santa Maria. Sadly at least 80 of those killed Sunday were students at that school alone.

The club was reportedly over capacity when the fire began.  Students were celebrating the end of summer as many universities were set to resume classes on today.  State Fire Official Guido de Melo reported that roughly 2,000 people were inside the club at the time of the fire.  The clubs maximum capacity is 1,000.

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Of the 233 to 245 dead, only 185 have been identified so far.  More than 90 people were hospitalized, including 14 patients with severe burns.  Most of the victims died due to smoke inhalation and being trampled while trying to escape the over crowed venue.

Officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire.  However, it has been reported that a pyrotechnics show was held inside the club shortly before the building was engulfed in flames.  Ironically, in 2003, a similar tragedy occurred at The Station nightclub here in the U.S. in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Pyrotechnics were being used during a set played by a band and the clubs soundproof instillation caught fire on the ceiling.  As a result, 100 people lost their lives.

An eye witness, Max Muller,  who happened by the club minutes after the fire occurred, said that a few of his friends were in the club at the time of the fire and they said it was almost impossible to find a way out of the club in the dark.  As it turns ,most clubs in Brazil including Kiss, don't have exit signs above the doors.  So, tragically people some people died because they couldn't find their way of the club.

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According to police and paramedics 90% of the victims were found by or in the clubs bathrooms.  Another factor that lead to such a great loss of life was the fact that the roof collapsed in several parts of the building, trapping many inside.  Unbelievably, others died because guards initially blocked the exits.

A representative for Band News said, "Some guards thought at first that it was a fight, a huge fight that happened inside the club and closed the doors so that the people could not leave without paying their bills from the club."

By the way the club's license had expired in August and had not been renewed according to a local fire official.

 

 

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