The death toll following a nightclub fire in a Russian Urals city has reached 136, and is likely to rise further, with 35 people still in a critical condition, the health ministry said on Thursday.

Four days on from the fire, eight more people died today from extensive burns and toxic poisoning of internal organs, according to hospitals in Perm, Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities where the victims were brought after the tragedy.

The ministry said that of the 94 people still in hospital with 35 in a critical condition, and another 50 seriously injured.

The preliminary investigation has revealed serious violations of fire safety regulations at the club.

The government of the Perm region and the Perm city Mayor resigned on Wednesday over the tragedy. Charges were brought against three Lame Horse executives and the director of the fireworks supplier, and fire safety officials have been sacked.

The fire engulfed the Lame Horse nightclub in Perm in the early hours of Saturday after an indoor fireworks display caused sparks to hit the suspended ceiling.

MOSCOW, December 10 (RIA Novosti)