Penny-pinching by a band known for its on-stage pyrotechnic displays may have cost more than 230 people their lives at a nightclub in southern Brazil, the policeman leading the investigation into the deadly blaze said.
Inspector Marcelo Arigony said members of the band knowingly bought flares meant for outdoor use because they cost just 79p each, compared with £22.30 for an indoor flare.
“The flare lit was for outdoor use only and the people who lit them know that,” said Mr Arigony, adding that members of the group admitted regularly opting for the less expensive flares.
“They chose to buy those because they were cheaper than those that can be used indoors.”
Mr Arigony, whose cousin died in the fire, added: “The pyrotechnics were part of their show – the guys even wore gloves on stage so they wouldn’t burn their hands.”
The repercussions of the band’s choice to use flares continued to send shockwaves through Santa Maria, a college town of 260,000 people stunned by the Sunday morning tragedy at the Kiss nightclub.
The Rio Grande do Sul state forensics department raised the death toll from 231 to 234 to account for three victims who did not appear on the original list of the dead.
Authorities say more than 120 people remain in hospital for smoke inhalation and burns, dozens in a critical condition.