Sparkler Blamed In Dutch Nightclub Fire
The owner of a Dutch nightclub where ten people were killed in a New Year's Eve fire says he thinks a sparkler caused the inferno.
Jan Veerman said in a TV interview that a young patron waving sparklers touched off Christmas tree branches hanging from the ceiling.
He says, "It appears a whole bunch of them were lit, and that produced an enormous blast" of heat.
The TV report says the youngster is believed to be among those killed in the fire.
Police haven't commented on the report yet.
In the town council, Mayor Frank IJsselmuiden's administration was accused of being lax in forcing Veerman to comply with fire safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Volendam says he'll release details of the preliminary investigation Friday.
Funerals are also scheduled to begin Friday.
Doctors fear the death toll could rise further since many are still in the hospital with severe burns and smoke inhalation.
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