Halloween party accident kills 27 in Romania

AT LEAST 27 people have died and up to 180 are reported wounded following a blaze at a Halloween party in a Bucharest nightclub on Friday night (October 31).

The fire was reportedly started by a firework during a live rock concert at Colectiv club which up to 400 young people were attending.

Just one emergency exit was available, Sky News has stated, and many partygoers were slow to react as they thought the flames were part of the show.

Sixty ambulances and fire engines were sent to the scene and at least 155 people have been taken to 10 different hospitals for treatment.

The Interior Ministry has warned that many remain in serious conditions and the death toll is likely to rise.

President Klaus Iohannis expressed his sympathy and solidarity with the families of those affected, and PM Victor Ponta is due to cut a visit to Mexico short and fly home due to the tragic event.

While the nightclub’s owner helps police with their enquiries, an investigation into the incident has started and an emergency meeting of cabinet ministers was announced for Saturday morning.