The death toll in a horrific nightclub fire in Brazil has risen to 232, according to news sources. This number is updated from the original count of 245 first reported by local news sources.

A fire started at the Boate Kiss nightclub around 2 AM in the southern city of Santa Maria. The club was at capacity when club-goers stampeded toward the doors.

Smoke inhalation claimed many of the lives lost in the fire, while others were trampled in the rush from the club.

Pyrotechnics were being used at the club for a performance by a rock band, but authorities have not said they caused the blaze.

The death count may continue to climb as responders pull bodies from the charred building. Officials say the club was over capacity by 1,000 people.

"Sad Sunday!" tweeted Tarso Genero, the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, the state surrounding Santa Maria. "We are taking appropriate action. I'll be in Santa Maria in the late morning."

Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff addressed media inside the country this morning. "I want to tell the people of Santa Maria in this time of sadness that we are all together," she said.

[CNN]

Crying Women at Brazil Nightclub Fire
AFP
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