02 January 2009

Police launch Bangkok nightclub fire probe

BANGKOK- Police in the Thai capital are investigating the cause of the New Year's Eve fire at a city nightclub that killed at least 59 people.

More than 200 people were injured in the fire at the Santika club.

Police said the fire may have been caused by firecrackers brought into the nightclub by guests or sparks flying from a pyrotechnic New Year countdown display.

Fire brigade officials said the death toll was high because there were few exits from the building and because windows on the upper floors had iron bars across them.

Police said their initial investigation found the club's safety system was "sub-standard" but did not elaborate.

The crowds had come for the farewell party of the pub, in an event called "Goodbye Santika", she said.

One woman told The Nation newspaper that she saw a group of singers go on stage at nearly 1am and fireworks being set off to create a theatrical effect.

"I believe the fireworks caused the ceiling to catch on fire, and it spread quickly," she said.

"At first, I thought it was a stage effect, which looked like the real thing. Then someone shouted 'fire, fire' and panic broke out and people ran for their lives."