New measures after deadly nightclub fire

Following last weeks fire at a nightclub in Bucharest that killed more than 30 people, the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations has been given the power to shut down venues that do not comply with the fire protection legislation.

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Mihai Pelin, 04.11.2015, 13:27

Many of the people injured in last weeks fire at a Bucharest nightclub that killed more than 30 are still in critical condition. More than 130 are still in hospital. Doctors predict the death toll may rise significantly given that the club décor that burnt in the fire gave off extremely noxious gases and the injuries caused are atypical, including burns involving large areas of the skin, lung necrosis and extensive respiratory damage. The manager of the Grigore Alexandrescu Hospital in Bucharest, dr. Dan Enescu said surgery, the next stage in the treatment of burns, is very important for the improvement of patients in serious condition. Dan Enescu:

“Each case is different. Due to burns of the upper respiratory tract combined with chemical burns and the inhalation of an unfamiliar mix of gases, we have to be cautious and perform surgery at the best time for patients. Surgery is very important because it can stabilise their condition, but unless it removes part of the burns, patients may suffer a relapse a few days later.

To prevent such tragedies in the future, the government has issued an emergency order giving the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations the power to close down venues and clubs that do not comply with the fire protection legislation. The state secretary in the interior ministry Raed Arafat says the Control Plan has been finalised and will be enforced after publication in the Official Gazette. Raed Arafat:

“Venues that do not have fire security permits but have obtained all the other necessary permits, will be liable to fines ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 lei. They will be given a period of grace to address the situation before being closed down. Another case refers to venues that do nor have fire safety permits, have all the other necessary permits and where serious violations are found during controls. One such serious violation includes cases when one of the two obligatory emergency exits is closed. A third case refers to venues that do not have the required fire safety permits or any other permits, in which case they will be fined and closed down.

The owners of the nightclub where the tragedy occurred are in temporary 29-day arrest, being charged with aggravated manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.