Police arrest 3 in Brazil nightclub fire tragedy

Santa Maria, Brazil: Brazilian police say they’ve made three arrests and are seeking a fourth person in connection with a nightclub fire that killed more than 230 people. Inspector Ranolfo Vieira Junior said at a Monday press conference that the arrests are for investigative purposes. He says the detentions have five-day limits. He declined to identify those arrested or the fourth person sought. More than 230 people died early Sunday during the fire at a university party in southern Brazil. Police have said they think a band’s pyrotechnics show ignited sound insulation on the ceiling, causing the blaze. The Zero Hora newspaper quotes lawyer Jader Marques as saying his client Elissandro Spohr, a co-owner of the club, was arrested. The paper also says two band members were arrested. Funerals began Monday in the city of Santa Maria, Brazil, where the blaze took place. AP