Nine people died and 11 were hospitalized after a casino fire in an apartment building in the industrial city of Dnipropetrovsk, Eastern Ukraine.The fire began after an explosion early Thursday morning, May 7th, in the Metro Jack Pot slot machines entertainment hall located on the main floor of the 5-story apartment building.The fire began just before 1 a.m. in one of the slot machines.

News coverage showed the gutted entertainment hall with the burned slot machines and wires dangling.Among the fatalities of the fire were two female casino workers.The security staff was overwhelmed by fire and smoke and dozens of firemen and rescue workers had to be called to the scene.Fire laws were infringed by too many slot machines in a very small area, and no escape routes.Officials are investigating the cause of the explosion.Currently, there is no evidence of arson.

All Dnipropetrovsk casinos, gambling halls, and night clubs were shut down until they could be checked for safety.