Loft collapse inside Gwangju nightclub kills 2, injures athletes at FINA championships

GWANGJU, July 27 (Yonhap) -- A loft inside a nightclub in the southwestern city of Gwangju collapsed Saturday, killing two people and injuring more than 10, including athletes competing at the 18th FINA World Championships, city authorities said.

The Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters said the loft inside the night club collapsed around 2:30 a.m. and claimed the lives of two South Koreans. Authorities suspect the loft collapsed due to too much weight.

Firefighters said more than 10 people were injured, including foreign athletes who came to Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul, for the July 12-28 FINA World Championships.

So far, authorities confirmed that nine foreign athletes were injured -- four Americans, two New Zealanders, one Dutch, one Italian and one Brazilian. They are all water polo players except the Brazilian, authorities said, with six of them women.

Firefighters said their injuries are not severe, although some of them have underwent minor surgery after suffering lacerations.

Among the foreigners on the injured list also include two Uzbek men who were not athletes.

Local authorities believe dozens were injured from the collapse if those who suffered light bruises and scratches are included.

The municipal government of Gwangju and local organizing committee of the FINA Championships said they will give their utmost support to help athletes who sustained injuries from the incident.

kdon@yna.co.kr
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