Explosion in Central Russia Kills 94 Injures 90

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Explosion in Central Russia Kills 94 Injures 90

RT/English [Russian TV]

Moscow: 11 pm, 12/9/2009

An explosion at the city of Perm [Perm District] night club erupted at 11:00 pm Moscow time. Twenty ambulances and 120 firefighters rushed to the scene. Two-hundred and thirty-three people were celebrating the eighth anniversary of the opening of the night club. The celebrants were club employees, their relatives and friends.

Rescue workers saw no fire. The victims apparently died from the explosion, smoke inhalation and gas poisoning. Many were overcome as they tried to get out of the crowded room.

Early speculation centered about pyrotechnics stored on the site for a later display. Russian State Security workers do not rule out arson. The final determination as to cause could take weeks.

The city of Perm is 1200 kilometers east of Moscow. Just a week ago terrorists bombed the Nevski Express train derailing it and killing 26 passengers.

Investigators will probe local crime syndicates as well as possible terrorist involvement.