BUCHAREST, Romania—The latest news after the fire at a nightclub in the Romanian capital on Friday evening that killed more than 30 people (all times local).
11 p.m.
More than 20,000 protesters marched through the Romanian capital, demanding that the government and local authorities resign in the wake of nightclub fire in which 32 people died.
The protest began Tuesday evening and grew larger as thousands joined the demonstration directed at Prime Minister Victor Ponta, Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea and a district mayor where the Colectiv nightclub was located.
The shouted “Shame on you!” and “Assassins!” and waved Romanian flags. Anger has been brewing for some time in Romania against the government, which many perceive as being corrupt, and last Friday’s fire has added to the discontent.
President Klaus Iohannis wrote on his Facebook page late Tuesday: “I understand what is being asked and what is expected, and they are right, someone has to take political responsibility.” He added, “The next step is for politicians, who cannot ignore this sentiment of revolt.”
9:15 p.m.
Thousands are marching through the Romanian capital to protest against the government following a fire in a Bucharest nightclub that left at least 32 dead.
More than 10,000 marched down the city’s main boulevards and then massed outside the government offices Tuesday evening calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta, Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea and the mayor of the district where the Colectiv nightclub was located.
Anger has been brewing for some time in Romania against the government, which many perceive as being corrupt, and Friday’s fire has added to the discontent. The protesters, who briefly scuffled with ant-riot police, are demanding that authorities punish people deemed responsible for the blaze, the deadliest of its kind in the country’s history.
Witnesses said the fire broke out during a heavy-metal concert in the basement club when a spark ignited foam decor sending panicked people stampeding for the single-door exit. Some 130 remain hospitalized, with dozens in serious or critical condition.
