Brazilian Nightclub Owner Attempts Suicide After Fire that Killed 235

Elissandro Spohr, one of the owners of the nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil that burned down in a deadly fire that killed 235 people, attempted suicide while in the hospital due to overwhelming guilt.

Spohr was arrested along with three others following the fire at Kiss nightclub and was being treated for smoke inhalation under police guard at the hospital. While taking a shower, the owner removed the shower hose and tied it to the window. Police discovered him before he could get a chance to tie the other end around his neck.

“Everything indicates he was going to commit suicide by hanging,” Santa Maria Police Chief Lylian Carus said. “He’s emotionally destroyed.”

Spohr told his attorney, Jader Marques, that he “regretted having ever been born.” Police have also arrested another owner of the club, Mauro Hoffman, vocalist for the band performing that night, Marcelo de Jesus dos Santos, and show producer Luciano Bonilha.

Investigators said the fire most likely erupted when the country band performing at the club, Gurizada Fandangueira, lit a flare and it ignited soundproofing foam on the ceiling. The tragedy was worsened by a lack of emergency devices such as fire alarms or sprinkler systems. The club also only had one working door and a faulty fire extinguisher.

Charges have not been brought as of yet, but the arrested may face 20 years in prison.