Officials in the Russian city of Kostroma reported on Saturday that a nightclub fire that occurred overnight killed at least 13 people.
A city of over 270,000 people, Kostroma is located 300 kilometres (190 miles) northeast of Moscow on the banks of the Volga River.
The fire started inside Polygon, a multipurpose recreational venue that serves as a bar, nightclub, and cafe.
In a statement, the judicial Investigating Committee revealed that 13 people died as a result of the incident; the exact number of fatalities and injuries is still being confirmed.
The regional governor stated that the fire was put out by 7:29 a.m. (04:29 GMT) and that five people had been injured.
Investigators’ video showed firefighters spraying water on what appeared to be the building’s collapsed, smouldering roof.
Investigators, according to the TASS news agency, believe that the fire may have started as a result of a man’s indoor flare gun firing.
A criminal investigation, according to the authorities, had begun.
