Romanian nightclub fire believed to be caused by fireworks

At least 27 people have died in an explosion and fire at a nightclub in Romania.

Up to 180 others were taken to hospital after the blast at a Halloween rock concert in the capital Bucharest.

Local Television reports claim a firework let off during the performance set fire to polystyrene decorations.

Local journalist Lucian Lipovan has explained how the fire took hold so quickly

“In the 30 seconds the whole place was full of fire, the pillars, which were covered in foam and the ceiling which was covered in wood, so it was very flammable materials which made the fire spread very fast.”

Romania's interior minister Raed Arafat has spoken to the media and said the hospitals are full of victims.

“There are many victims, many went to the hospital by themselves, which is common in this situation.

“We are now going to the hospitals to see how they are managing with so many victims and whether to move them to other hospitals.”