People gather at the fire site in Santa Maria, southern Brazil, Jan. 27, 2013. A nightclub fire that broke out Santa Maria in southern Brazil early Sunday killed at least 120 people and injured more than 200 others, local television reports said. (Xinhua/AGENCIA ESTADO)

A nightclub fire that broke out Santa Maria in southern Brazil early Sunday killed at least 120 people and injured more than 200 others, local television reports said.

Reports quoted police sources as saying the death toll could rise as an investigation of the fire continues.

There was a party for college students in the nightclub when the fire started, ccording to local reports. At around 2:30 a.m. (0430 GMT), a band member performing on the stage lit fireworks that caused the fire.

The fire developed very fast and there was only one exit for the nightclub, which caused some trampling as people tried to escape the blaze.

Reports said the "Kiss" nightclub, which can hold 2,000 people, was very popular among local youths and college students.