A look back at some of the deadliest venue fires in the last 100 years

The recent fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which tragically left dozens presumed dead and around 100 injured on New Year’s Day, casts a stark light on the devastating potential of such incidents. This latest tragedy adds to a grim history of nightclub, bar, and music venue fires that have claimed numerous lives across the globe.

Among the most significant such disasters are:

— March 2025: A fire and subsequent stampede at the crowded Pulse club in Kocani, North Macedonia, resulted in 63 fatalities, predominantly young revellers, and over 200 injuries. The inferno was sparked by a pyrotechnic flame that rapidly engulfed the club’s roof.

— April 2024: In Istanbul, Turkey, a blaze at the Masquerade nightclub claimed the lives of 29 individuals, trapping workers and employees during renovations. The venue was situated on the ground and basement floors of a 16-storey residential building.

— October 2023: A fire originating in a nightclub in Murcia, southeastern Spain, and spreading to two adjacent clubs, led to the deaths of 13 people.

— January 2022: In Sorong, Indonesia’s West Papua province, 19 people died when a nightclub burned down following an altercation between two groups inside the premises.

— January 2022: Explosions triggered by a blaze at Liv’s Nightclub Yaouba in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital, killed 17 people. Authorities suggested fireworks ignited the roof, with the fire then spreading to areas storing cooking gas.

— December 2016: Thirty-six individuals perished in a fire at a warehouse in Oakland, California, known as the “Ghost Ship.” This space, illegally converted into a residence and event venue for artists, caught fire during an electronic music and dance party. The blaze spread so rapidly that victims on the unlawfully constructed second floor became trapped.

— October 2015: A fire ignited by a rock band’s pyrotechnics display at the Colectiv nightclub in Bucharest, Romania, killed 64 people and injured approximately 190.

— January 2013: More than 200 people died in a fire at the Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. Investigators determined that soundproofing foam on the ceiling caught fire, releasing toxic gases that quickly overwhelmed attendees at a university party.

— December 2009: Some 152 people lost their lives when a blaze erupted at the Lame Horse nightclub in Perm, Russia. The fire began when an indoor fireworks display ignited a plastic ceiling adorned with branches.

— January 2009: An indoor fireworks display following a New Year’s countdown sparked a fire at the Santika club in Bangkok, Thailand, killing 67 and injuring many more. Victims succumbed to burns, smoke inhalation, and crush injuries.

— September 2008: Forty-four people died at the overcrowded King of Dancers nightclub in Shenzhen, China, after a fireworks show ignited the ceiling, causing a stampede.

— December 2004: In Buenos Aires, Argentina, 194 people were killed at the packed Cromagnon Republic club when a flare ignited ceiling foam. Club owner Omar Chaban received a 20-year prison sentence for causing the deadly fire and for bribery, while others received lighter penalties.

• For more: Elrisala website and for social networking, you can follow us on Facebook
• Source of information and images “independent”“