Vol 877 Issue 178
178-1122

Rioting Leads to Fire in Old Port

Notorious bar destroyed.
Yesterday afternoon a riot broke out in the Old Port bar "The Laughing Cadaver", apparently after the bar was left "unattended". There are conflicting reports as to whether the bartender's death precipitated the rioting, if he was killed during the riot, or if he died as a result of the fire. The police are investigating the death of Bernard (last name unknown) as "suspicious", but have not yet released any information to the press.

What is known, is that a fight of some sort broke out amongst the patrons of the bar, and this deteriorated into a small riot after Regina Starport Police arrived on the scene. Firefighters who were called to the scene once flames were sighted were unable to get close enough to fight the fire effectively due to the gunfire.

Eventually, the smoke and flames did what the police were unable to do - empty the building. By that time the business was fully engulfed, and all the firefighters were able to do was prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining businesses. The bar's proprietor, known to the patrons as "Shiv", was unavailable for comment.

Fire Leads to Safety Concerns

Police Investigate Suspicious Death
The fire that engulfed an infamous business in Old Port ended in one death and the complete destruction of the business, in spite of the fire-suppression systems in place on Up Port. A spokesman for the Regina Starport Authority has stated that the components and controls for the fire-suppression system in the area in question had been "damaged or disabled due to vandalism". Shutting down the oxygen and/or gravity in the area was not considered an option due to the presence of law enforcement personnel, as well as firefighters, and the fire was contained before spreading.

This is not the first time that necessary systems have been compromised in Old Port due to so-called "vandalism" or malicious mischief. The damage was contained this time, but if these conditions are allowed to continue, the next time this happens the residents of adjoining areas of the starport may not be so lucky. Arson investigators are working the scene, in conjunction with law enforcement, to determine the cause of the fire, and what steps will need to be taken to ensure the safety of the general public.

 Police are investigating the death of "The Laughing Cadaver" bartender - Bernard (last name unknown). Numerous patrons of the bar remain in police custody, and are being questioned about the incidents that occurred on day 177. Charges stemming from the riot, the fire, and the death of the bartender are pending, according to police spokesmen, and murder charges have not been ruled out. The medical examiner's office is expected to provide the police with specific information as to the cause of death, and authorities expect to be able to further enhance this information with eyewitness testimony as to the identity of those responsible for the death.

Commissioner Globber has declined to be specific, stating only that "whether the death of this individual was the result of the fire, or a separate act of violence remains to be seen, but I can assure your readers that whoever is responsible will not go unpunished".

Those with relevant information on this case should contact the Regina Police Tip Line at: RSA-TIPS.