Six dead in Serbian nightclub fire Sunday

Novi Sad - A nightclub owner and two others in Serbia have been detained after six young people died when the Contrast club in Novi Sad went up in flames Sunday.

This morning a three day period of mourning has been declared after three women and three men in their 20s lost their lives during a fire at a local nightclub in Novi Sad. All catering companies in Serbia have been ordered to undergo inspections after the fire by Interior Minister Ivica Dacic. While still early in the investigation faulty wiring is the suspected cause of a fire at the Contrast nightclub Sunday at 2 a.m. The club was packed with young adults enjoying a live performance. Between 300 and 350 people were at the club when the building caught fire. The six that died most likely choked to death as they attempted to escape the flames in the club's restroom. One of the victims was a mere half metre from an exit. Two others were injured as they attempted to flee the inferno. The six have been identified. The packed club and a late call to the fire department sealed the victims fate. Inspectors will be investigating why it took so long for an employee to call the fire department. The club is said to have recently carried out a fire drill and was routinely checked for compliance to safety regulations. The club had been fined for poor fire protection according to Head of the Interior Ministry department for emergencies Predrag Maric. Local police are holding the owner and two people who rented the property in custody. Novi Sad Mayor Igor Pavlicic said that more could be charged. This is the third deadly fire at a public place in Novi Sad since 2007. Eight people died at the Lounge cafe in 2008. Three people died in 2007 at the Putnik hotel.