BANGKOK (AP) — A fire engulfed a hotel along Bangkok’s bustling Khao San Road, a renowned hotspot for tourists, tragically claiming the lives of three foreigners and causing injuries to several others, as confirmed by Thai authorities. The casualties in the blaze, which occurred on Sunday night, were exclusively foreign visitors, disclosed Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee to The Associated Press. The grim toll included one individual discovered deceased at the site of the incident, while the remaining two succumbed to their injuries subsequent to being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.
According to reports from law enforcement officials, the fire reportedly erupted on the 5th floor of the Ember Hotel, a six-story establishment situated within the vibrant vicinity of Khao San Road, renowned for its backpacker-friendly atmosphere and lively nocturnal offerings. Despite the swift deployment of emergency responders, the flames were not fully extinguished until a significant duration had elapsed. An investigative effort has been initiated to ascertain the underlying cause behind the sudden conflagration.
At the time of the fire outbreak, the hotel accommodated a total of seventy-five individuals, both local residents and international guests. Among those present, seven persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, comprising two Thai citizens and five foreign nationals who required medical attention in the wake of the harrowing incident.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt underscored the paramount significance of prioritizing public safety, particularly in light of the impending New Year’s Eve festivities that are poised to attract revelers across the city. The forthcoming celebrations, featuring scheduled fireworks displays and assorted jubilant observances, are now overshadowed by the somber aftermath of the hotel fire on Khao San Road.
