The owner of a nightclub in Russia's Urals where a fire broke out early on Saturday, killing at least 102 people, has been arrested, investigators said.
The fire engulfed the Lame Horse club in the city of Perm at around 1:00 a.m. local time during an indoor fireworks display. At least 134 people are being treated in hospital, of whom many are in a serious condition.
Anatoly Zak has been arrested on charges of causing loss of live by breaching fire safety regulations, a local investigator told RIA Novosti.
The emergencies ministry has said 102 people have died. Russian media reports have quoted higher fatality figures.
Regional security minister Igor Orlov told media that the club's plastic ceiling caught fire during a display involving indoor fireworks, known as cold fireworks.
Bomb experts at the Federal Security Service (FSB) said they found no trace of explosive devices in the venue.
Local health minister Dmitry Trishkin said hospitals have sufficient blood and plasma for transfusion to last 24 hours.
Russia's emergencies minister, Sergei Shoigu, Health Minister Tatyana Golikova, and Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev, arrived at the city early in the morning. They are currently visiting the seven hospitals where the injured have been taken.
PERM, December 5 (RIA Novosti)
