A catastrophic fire occurred in a Bucharest nightclub during a concert, causing the deaths of 64 individuals and injuring more than 147 others. The incident took place at the Colectiv nightclub, where a rock band was performing. The fire reportedly started when members of the band set off pyrotechnics that ignited the flammable soundproofing material within the club's interior. Within minutes, the situation escalated, with flames rapidly spreading and smoke filling the venue, leading to panic among attendees. The chaos complicated the evacuation process, as many people struggled to escape, creating a bottleneck at the exits.

Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the severe overcrowding made rescue efforts more difficult. Victims were transported to various hospitals across the city, where conditions were dire due to the number of injured. The aftermath revealed that numerous victims suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, necessitating extensive medical treatment. The government announced days of mourning in response to the tragedy, while investigations were launched to determine the factors contributing to the high casualty rate.

The incident raised significant concerns regarding safety regulations and enforcement in Romania's entertainment venues. Many were prompted to question whether the nightclub complied with fire safety laws. Public outrage led to widespread protests and scrutiny of local authorities, pressuring them to improve safety measures across similar establishments in the country.