3 dead, 7 injured in Bangkok hotel fire
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Bangkok: A fire at a six-floor hotel in Bangkok’s bustling Khao San Road area claimed the lives of three people and left seven others injured, the local fire department reported on Monday.
The blaze broke out on Sunday at approximately 9:21 p.m. local time (1421 GMT). It originated in a room on the fifth floor, causing the immediate death of a female tourist. Two male tourists succumbed to their injuries later at different hospitals.
Among the seven injured were two Thai nationals and five foreigners, the fire department confirmed. Seventy-five guests were staying at the hotel at the time of the incident. Authorities have ordered the hotel to shut down pending a thorough safety inspection. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed concern about public safety in the wake of the tragedy, particularly with New Year’s Eve festivities approaching. Fireworks and other celebratory events are planned across the city, prompting officials to stress the importance of stringent safety measures.
This fire is the latest in a string of deadly incidents in Thailand. On December 14, a bomb explosion at an annual festival in Tak province killed three people and injured 39 others. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra conveyed her condolences to the victims’ families and urged authorities to expedite investigations. She also called for enhanced security protocols for upcoming festivals to ensure public safety.
In another tragic event earlier this year, a fireworks factory explosion in Suphan Buri province on January 17 resulted in at least 17 fatalities. Local rescuers described the scene as devastating, with debris scattered across a paddy field over 100 meters from the explosion site. Witnesses reported that more than 20 staff were working in the factory at the time of the blast.
Thailand continues to grapple with the fallout from these incidents, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety regulations and enforcement.
With IANS inputs