Thai nightclub fire claims scores of lives

A fire swept through a high-class Bangkok nightclub jammed with several hundred New Year’s revellers, killing at least 59 people and injuring more than 200, officials said.

A number of foreigners were among the casualties from the blaze that erupted shortly after midnight at the Santika Club in an entertainment district of Bangkok.

Victims died from burns, smoke inhalation and injuries during the stampede to escape from the club, which had only one door for the public, police Major General Chokchai Deeprasertwit said.

Firefighters said a door at the rear was known only to the staff, while a reporter saw a third door at one side of the building.

Video footage of the disaster showed bloodied, bruised and burned victims being dragged out of the burning, two-story club or managing to run through the door or shattered windows.

The video – provided by rescue workers – showed flames racing through the entire building even as the rescue operation was going on.

The Narenthorn Emergency Centre, which was coordinating relief efforts, said 59 people died, with eight of the bodies burned beyond recognition, and another 203 were injured.

Police General Jongrak Jutanont said that among the injured were nationals of Australia, Nepal, Japan and the Netherlands.

A photographer saw the bodies of at least 10 foreigners from the fire at the police morgue but authorities did not provide immediate identification.

Maj Gen Chokchai said that 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 website of The Nation newspaper quoted one partygoer, Somchai Frendi, as saying the blaze was caused by the countdown fireworks that ignited the second floor ceiling, which was made largely of soundproofing material.

Gen Jongrak said the initial investigation found that the club’s safety system was “sub-standard” but did not elaborate.

The club was packed with about 1,000 revellers, according to police officers.

The rescue workers said most of the bodies were found in a pit area surrounding the stage. The club attracts a well-heeled crowd of Thais and foreigners.

The corpses, placed in white body bags, were laid out in rows in the parking lot in front of the club, which was strewn with shoes of the victims, water bottles, parking stickers and other debris.

The emergency workers said the rescue operation was delayed because of heavy New Year’s traffic in the Ekamai entertainment district and the large number of cars parked at the club.