World

Services held for nightclub dead

06:05 am on 4 February 2013

Special services have been held in Brazil in memory of 237 people who died in a nightclub blaze in Santa Maria a week ago.

Safety standards across the country are being re-evaluated as a result of the fire. Two owners of the nightclub and two band members are under arrest.

More than 4000 people attended a service in Santa Maria on Saturday night and a vigil was held in front of the nightclub, Kiss.

The mayor plans to turn the building into a memorial site.

The death toll rose to 237 on Sunday after another man died of injuries sustained in the fire. More than 100 people remain in hospital.

The BBC reports the fire is believed to have broken out after the band playing in the nightclub last Sunday set off cheap fireworks meant for outdoor use.

The flames spread quickly over the ceiling which was covered with foam for soundproofing.