Death toll in Russian nightclub fire reaches 152; scores remain hospitalized

Russian nightclub death toll reaches 152

MOSCOW — Russian officials say the death toll from a nightclub fire in the Urals city of Perm almost three weeks ago has risen to 152.

The regional branch of the Emergency Situations Ministry said two women died of their injuries Thursday. It said in Friday’s statement that 74 others remain hospitalized.

The blaze at the Lame Horse nightclub broke out on Dec. 5 when an indoor fireworks display ignited a plastic ceiling decorated with branches. The flames spread swiftly as hundreds of customers tried to flee through a single exit.

Five people, including the club’s owner, have been jailed pending an investigation.

The fire was Russia’s deadliest since Soviet times. Russian leaders have ordered a broad review of fire regulations and urged tougher enforcement.