Russian investigators picked through the remains of a burned-out nightclub today, and detained at least 5 people in the aftermath of an explosive inferno, the result of an alleged misuse of fireworks that claimed at least 106 lives. The fire broke out last night, in the industrial city of Perm, and swept through a party in full swing at the Lame Horse, a local nightclub celebrating its 8th year in business.The blast and fire engulfed the club, law enforcement officials said, as a performance artist juggled cold-flame pyrotechnical maces. As he threw them high in the air, the club's ceiling caught fire and almost immediately spread on to the wooden walls, cutting off exits. People succumbed to smoke inhalation or were trampled attempting to escape the panicky chaos. Officials in Perm said that at least 130 people were injured, many of the critically. Russian media said that several people are on ventilators and not expected to survive. In a televised address from his country residence near Moscow, President Dmitry Medvedev demanded that those responsible for the accident get the harshest possible punishment.The 5 people detained are said to have violated local fire codes. Medvedev also declared that December 7 would be a national day of mourning for the country.
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