Fire at Bangkok hotel claims lives of three tourists
A devastating fire in a hotel in Thailand's capital resulted in the deaths of three foreign tourists and left several others injured. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with fears that it could impact upcoming New Year's Eve celebrations, according to Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association.
The fire ignited on Sunday, December 29th, at the Ember Hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok.
Tragic news from tourist paradise
The fire began on the fifth floor of a six-story building on the popular Khao San Road. Tourists from around the world frequently stay in this accommodation facility, which had 75 people at the time of the fire.
All three people who died in the fire on Sunday evening were foreign tourists, said Sanong Saengmanee, a local police colonel, to the Associated Press. One tourist was found dead at the scene, and the other two died after being transported to the hospital. The nationalities of those who died have not yet been disclosed.
Hotel fire
In addition to the three fatalities, local media reported seven people sustained injuries. Among them are five foreign tourists and two Thai nationals.
The fire was eventually extinguished, but the cause of the outbreak remains unknown. Authorities will investigate the matter. Furthermore, local officials are urging caution during New Year's celebrations, especially when using firecrackers and fireworks.
Sanga Ruangwattanakul, President of the Khao San Road Business Association, who was responsible for promoting the street and region while ensuring safety, arrived at the scene. "Now everybody’s scared about what happened and they’re scared it will affect the event tomorrow. But definitely there’s no worry because we already had a meeting with the police station and we have over 150 police and district staff to cover on Khao San Road for security," he said, as quoted by the Evening Standard.
