Fireworks at Ecuador disco starts blaze that kills 14, injures 16

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Flames started by fireworks swept through a nightclub in Ecuador's capital on Saturday, killing at least 14 people who were unable to escape through the club's padlocked doors, a fire official said. Sixteen people were injured. About 300 people were attending an afternoon event at the "Factory" club in southern Quito when someone lit fireworks, sending sparks upward that ignited material on the ceiling, Quito Fire Chief Jaime Benalcazar told The Associated Press. "The exit doors were closed and padlocked," he said. People were trapped inside. After controlling the blaze, officials removed 14 "completely burned" bodies from the club, Benalcazar said. Some 16 others were injured _ four seriously and 12 with minor burns, he said.