Nicolae Timofti offers condolences to Brazilians over Santa Maria fire

Moldova’s President Nicolae Timofti sent a letter of condolence to his Brazilian counterpart Dilma Rousseff in connection with the Santa Maria nightclub fire that resulted in over 200 deaths, Info-Prim Neo reports. “We found with great sadness about the tragic incident in Santa Maria, as a result of which over 200 persons died, and which brought grief in the homes and hearts of the Brazilian people,” reads the letter. In his name and the name of the Moldovan people, Nicolae Timofti expresses his compassion and solidarity and his sincere condolences to the grieving families. The Brazilian government declared three days of mourning after 233 persons lost their lives in a nightclub fire in Santa Maria. Most of those inside the club were students. Doctors said 80 survivors remained in serious condition, some with burns, many with lung damage caused by inhaling toxic fumes, and others with injuries sustained in the stampede to escape from the blaze. Witnesses claimed the venue was filled beyond capacity for a performance by a band that uses pyrotechnics for their show. Fire department officials confirmed that the blaze began when the performers raised three flares, one of which ignited foam-like soundproofing material on the ceiling.