Russia: 15 killed in Russia cafe blaze after flare gun discharged

Rescuers were able to evacuate 250 people in Kostroma
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A fire in a cafe in the Russian city of Kostroma killed 15 people on Saturday, emergency officials said.

The blaze erupted in the early hours after someone apparently used a flare gun during a dispute, authorities said. Rescuers were able to evacuate 250 people.

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The governor of the Kostroma region, Sergei Sitnikov, said five people were slightly injured and received medical assistance. Kostroma is located roughly 340 kilometres (210 miles) north of Moscow.

The roof of the cafe collapsed during the fire. A criminal investigation has been launched and the police are searching for the person who used the flare gun.

In 2009, more than 150 people were killed in a blaze at the Lame Horse nightclub in the city of Perm that erupted after someone set off fireworks. More to follow.

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