World | Dmitry Medvedev Owner Arrested in Russian Nightclub Fire Stampede for single exit after fireworks ignited ceiling By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Dec 5, 2009 9:02 AM CST Copied Russian police outside a nightclub in Perm, Russia, early Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009. An explosion apparently caused by pyrotechnics tore through the nightclub, killing more than 100 people. (AP Photo/Mikhail Duzhba) Russian authorities have arrested the owner and manager of a nightclub in the industrial city of Perm where a fire killed at least 109 people and critically injured about 90 early this morning. They are said to be looking for another four suspects. "They have neither brains, nor conscience," President Dmitry Medvedev said, urging the toughest possible punishment. He declared a national day of mourning Monday. The blaze, sparked by onstage fireworks, tore through the club's ceiling, covered in decorative twigs and plastic sheeting, officials said. Many victims died in a panicked crush for the single exit. The club, called the Lame Horse, had been fined twice in the past for breaking fire safety regulations, authorities said, and managers were to report on fixing the flaws next Monday. Medvedev urged changes in the law to toughen punishment for violation of fire safety standards. Read These Next North Carolina shooting suspect once walked the red carpet. Skydivers leap from plane 2 minutes before fatal crash. 'We heard a big bang,' says churchgoer in Michigan Tossed beers, hostile fans take the spotlight at Ryder Cup. Report an error