Eleven Years After Colectiv Club Fire, Survivors Mark Anniversary

Eleven years have passed since the Colectiv nightclub fire in Bucharest killed 65 people and injured more than 160 others. The blaze broke out during a concert when pyrotechnics were used inside the venue.

Nelu Brândușan, who was at the concert with friends and colleagues, said he had been scheduled to organize the event at another club. His company’s technical crew, including seven people, attended the show, and one member, Neluț Ilie, died that same night.

“As usual, in the last 11 years, I am angry. Angry that the death of these people changed nothing.”

Brândușan suffered burns to his hands, scalp, and ear after pulling a leather jacket over his head while escaping. He said the technical crew may not have clearly explained how the pyrotechnics would be used.

Outside the former club, families and survivors placed candles and white roses next to large photographs of the victims. Several priests held a memorial service around 10:30.

Eugen Iancu, whose son died in the fire, said the medical system and commercial venues have not changed enough to prevent a similar tragedy. He noted that Floreasca Hospital is closed and that there are still not enough burn beds.

Iancu acknowledged that firefighter operations have improved and that many doctors now know to request help when infection risk is high.

The Colectiv GTG 3010 association announced on Facebook that it would not organize a public event.