Brazil nightclub fire: Three arrested in Santa Maria

 

Brazilian police have arrested three people in connection with a fire at a nightclub that killed 231 people in the southern city of Santa Maria on Sunday, which resulted in a huge sense of of national shock o the entire country.

An owner of the Kiss nightclub, a member of the band Gurizada Fandangueira, and its security chief were being questioned, police said. A fourth person, reported to be a co-owner of the club, is being sought.

The first funerals for victims took place on Monday, as Brazil declared three days of national mourning.

The country's deadliest fire in five decades reportedly started after a member of Gurizada Fandangueira, which was performing at the venue, lit a flare on stage.

Officials are also investigating claims that many of those who died were unable to escape as only one emergency exit was available.

The fire has resulted to a  profound national sense of loss is. Most of the victims were students who died of smoke inhalation.

It is not only dozens of doctors and psychologists who have volunteered to help in Santa Maria, but also local people who are displaying a tremendous sense of solidarity. 

They are offering the victims' relatives - who have arrived from other towns - and volunteers free accommodation and food. 

Some are walking around, carrying trays with food, fruit and biscuits. Others have offered to clean the gym's toilets as the last bodies await burial. 

The government postponed a ceremony scheduled for Monday in the capital, Brasilia, to mark 500 days to the 2014 football World Cup. In Santa Maria, 30 days of mourning were declared.

President Dilma Rousseff, who cut short a visit to Chile, has been visiting survivors at the city's Caridade hospital along with government ministers.

"It is a tragedy for all of us," she said.

Authorities released the names of the victims, after revising down the death toll from 245. However, more than 100 people were being treated in hospital, mostly for smoke inhalation.