NEW YORK, Feb 21: At least 86 people were killed at a Rhode Island nightclub when fire broke out during a pyrotechnics display at a rock concert on Thursday night. More than 150 persons were injured in the melee as mobs of concert-goers frantically rushed to escape the raging fire.

At least 86 people were confirmed dead, West Warwick Fire Chief Charles Hall said on Friday morning.

Last week some 21 people were killed in a Chicago nightclub stampede which began following use of pepper spray by a nighclub guard to control an unruly customer.

Thursday’s blaze broke out at about 11 pm during the first song of a Great White concert at “The Station” in West Warwick, about 25 kilometers southwest of Providence. A fireworks display that was part of the show apparently ignited a substance in the ceiling, and flames quickly engulfed the club. Little was left of the one-story building just hours later. Many of the victims were found in the front door area after apparently becoming trapped trying to escape the fast-spreading flames.

More than 160 people were taken to area hospitals.

Paul Vanner, the club’s sound technician and stage manager, said one person from the band was missing. It was not immediately known how many people attended the concert. But one witness told “The Providence Journal” that about 300 people had been inside.