Disco owner blames sparklers for New Year's party blaze

A Dutch nightclub owner has blamed sparklers for the New Year blaze in Volendam that killed 10 people and injured around 200.

Jan Veerman said in a television interview that Christmas tree branches hanging from the ceiling of his cafe were ignited by a youngster waving sparklers.

"It appears a whole bunch of them were lit, and that produced an enormous blast, around 1100 degrees C," Veerman, who lost a nephew in the blaze, told NOS television.

"But he didn't do it on purpose. You can't say that. That's just the way it goes with youth," the owner added.

The television report said the youngster, who was not identified, is also believed to have died in the fire that erupted in the Little Heaven disco on Volendam's harbour.

Police were unavailable for comment on the interview. The Volendam police chief has said Veerman is not among the 100 people questioned so far.

Volendam mayor Frank IJsselmuiden has promised to release details of a preliminary investigation tomorrow.

Doctors fear the death toll could rise further with scores of people still in hospital with severe burn wounds and smoke inhalation symptoms.

A 13-year-old girl died yesterday in Amsterdam University Medical Center, bringing to 10 the number of people killed in the disco, that was crammed with teenagers.

The minimum drinking age in the Netherlands is 16. However, minors may enter cafes if accompanied by an adult.