Colectiv_venue

Tragedy strikes during overseas metal concert; at least 27 dead, 180 injured after explosion

Tragedy struck Friday night in Bucharest, Romania when a local metal band’s pyrotechnic effects went awry, leading to an explosion that has reportedly killed at least 27 and injured 180, (via Blabbermouth

The band who were playing at the time of the explosion are called Goodbye To Gravity. Colectiv, the venue that hosted the event, is located near the city’s center. Roughly 400 people are said to have been in attendance. 

Exactly how the fire broke out is still under investigation, but fireworks are said to have been involved, (via Telegraph).

After two foam pillars caught ablaze, spreading elsewhere didn’t take much longer. “They then set fire to wood inside the building, which burned everything really quickly,” said an attendee. “It was made worse by the fact that the only way out was a relatively small door.”

Medical services quickly became overwhelmed at the influx of those in need of immediate attention. “Some of those being admitted to hospital have burns all over their bodies,” reported Sanda Nicola, a Romanian journalist. “Most of the victims were teenagers and students.” 

Klaus Iohannis, the president of Romania, offered a statement via Facebook. “It is a very sad moment for all of us, for our nation and for me personally. At this painful time, I express my full compassion and solidarity with the families of those affected by this tragedy.”

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