The Bucharest show of Goodbye to Gravity, who were celebrating the release of new record, ended in a major explosive fire with at least 27 people killed and more than 180 injured
November 2, 2015
In Bucharest, Romania, a nightclub fire has killed 27 people during a show of the local metal band Goodbye to Gravity. The tragedy occured at the Colectiv nightclub in the centre of the city, near to the parliament. Fox News reported that besides the killed club goers, more than 180 people have been injured. BBC delivered an update on Saturday, announcing that 140 people were still being provided with medical treatment. Most of the victims were reportedly teenagers and students. Apparently, many of the people involved were foreigners.
What happened is that a spark onstage apparently led to ignition of polystyrene decor. CNN reported that the roots of the fire in pyrotechnics used during the performance. First, two foam pillars caught fire. “They then set fire to wood inside the building, which burned everything really quickly,” said Goodbye to Gravity’s singer Lemi Black. “It was made worse by the fact that the only way out was a relatively small door.”More than 60 ambulances and fire engines rushed to the scene. Medics helped on the spot many people with severe burns. Some were being resuscitated right outside the club. The witnesses believe “the tragedy that could have been avoided if there had been more organization from the emergency services.” Delia Tugui, who was at the show, wrote on her Facebook page:
“The lead singer made a quick joke: ‘This wasn’t part of the program.’ The next second, he realized it wasn’t a joke and asked for a fire extinguisher. 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.”
That night Goodbye to Gravity were celebrating the release of their new album by playing a free rock show at Colectiv. The club had about 400 people inside when the fire broke out. According to Ziarul De Iasi (via Loudwire), the band’s guitarists Vlad Telea and Mihai Alexandru were killed by the fire. Lead vocalist Andrei Galut is “reportedly in serious condition with burns on 45 percent of his body and injuries from smoke inhalation”, and bassist Alex Pascu was immediately hospitaled and underwent emergency surgery.
Nicolae Banicioiu, Romanian health minister, made an appeal for blood donations from the citizens. Struck by the tragedy, Romania has declared three days of national mourning. Watch the news report below.
