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Russian Nightclub Owner Jailed Over Deadly Fire


A man lights candles in front of the Lame Horse nightclub after a fire broke out in Perm in December 2009, killing 156 people.
A man lights candles in front of the Lame Horse nightclub after a fire broke out in Perm in December 2009, killing 156 people.
A court in the Russian city of Perm has sentenced the co-owner of a nightclub to 6 1/2 years in prison in connection with a fire that killed 156 people.

Konstantin Mrykhin, who was sentenced on May 14, is the first of nine defendants to be sentenced over the fire at the Lame Horse nightclub in Perm in December 2009.

During the trial, Mrykhin admitted that the club had failed to observe fire-safety regulations.

He offered his condolences to the victims' relatives.

The fire broke out after sparks from fireworks set aflame wicker coverings on the walls and ceiling of the club.

A stampede then broke out as guests rushed toward a single exit.

Based on reporting by Interfax and ITAR-TASS

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