A fire broke out at a hotel near Bangkok’s Khao San Road, a popular tourist destination, killing three foreign tourists and injuring several others, Thai police said Monday.
The fire erupted on the fifth floor of the six-story Ember Hotel on Sunday night, according to Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee. One victim was found dead at the scene, while two others died after being transported to a hospital.
Authorities identified the deceased as a Brazilian woman, a Ukrainian man, and an American man. Four other people were hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, police said. Khao San Road, known for its vibrant nightlife and popularity among backpackers, is a major attraction in the Thai capital.
Seventy-five guests were staying at the Ember Hotel at the time of the fire.
Sreekanth Kolamala, a 37-year-old tourist from Singapore, witnessed the rescue effort. “Firefighters broke the glass over there to try to pull people out,” he said.
Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, inspected the site on Monday. He noted that the fire has raised concerns ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, which are expected to draw tens of thousands of revelers to the area.
“Now everybody’s scared about what happened, and they’re scared it will affect the event tomorrow. But there’s no worry because we already had a meeting with police and over 150 officers and district staff will ensure security,” Ruangwattanakul said.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also stressed the importance of safety as the city prepares for New Year’s Eve festivities, which include fireworks displays and large public gatherings.
AP
