43 Dead In China Club Fire

At least 43 people were killed after a fire broke out at an unlicensed dance club in the southern China city of Shenzhen on Sept. 20.

The third-floor King of Dancers club was packed when a pyrotechnics display went awry and set the ceiling on fire, causing an electrical failure that plunged the club into darkness.

Patrons, unaware of a back exit, panicked and crowded toward the front entrance, according to witnesses. Most of the deaths were from smoke inhalation and the stampede as patrons tried to escape through a narrow hallway. In addition to the dead, 88 people were injured.

Local media reported that the club did not have a proper operating license. The venue is located in a blue-collar area of town, and the owner is currently in police custody. At press time, as many as 15 other people associated with the club were also detained.