Fifty-four killed in Bangkok nightclub blaze

At least 54 New Year’s revellers died in a fire that swept through a nightclub in the Thai capital Bangkok, rescue workers said tonight.

Workers counting the bodies at the scene said about 100 others were injured when the blaze broke out in the two-storey building.

The cause of the fire at the popular Santika Club, which attracts a well-heeled crowd of Thais and foreigners, was unknown.

Police Major General Chokchai Deeprasertwit said the fire may have been caused by firecrackers brought into the Santika Club by guests or sparks flying from a New Year's countdown display on the nightclub stage.

The officer said 53 bodies were counted at the scene while another person died in hospital.