Countdown to death at club
2009-01-01 13:09
Bangkok - A fire raced through a two-storey nightclub packed with hundreds of well-heeled New Year's revellers early on Thursday, killing at least 61 people as they stampeded to escape the raging flames.
More than 200 were injured.
The cause of the fire in a Bangkok entertainment district was under investigation, but several witnesses said a fireworks display during the New Year's countdown ignited the blaze.
A number of foreigners were among the casualties at the Santika Club, which attracted an affluent crowd of young Thais as well as expatriates and tourists.
"Everybody was pushing against each other trying to get out to the front door as quickly as possible.
"I saw people, particularly young girls, being pushed away and crushed underneath as others were stomping on them trying to get out," said Sompong Tritaweelap, who lives in an apartment behind the nightclub.
Back door
Victims died from burns, smoke inhalation and injuries during the stampede 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 an Associated Press 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-storey club or managing to run through the door or shattered windows.
Sompong said the fire spread through the entire building within 10 minutes.
"People were screaming for help from every window. It was a terrible sight.
"Their hair and clothes were on fire, but there was nothing they could do as the fire engulfed them," he said.
- AP