Fatal disco fire probed
Phuket authorities have called for increased safety measures at all 198 registered bars, pubs and other nightlife venues registered in the Patong area following the weekend’s tragic disco fire.
A government spokesman said an examination of the Tiger disco revealed that the building’s walls were made from a flammable foam material.
Phuket governor Tri Augkaradacha has ordered all entertainment venues throughout Phuket to be inspected after the tragedy, which claimed the lives of at least four and left at least 12 others injured.
“This may sound like a case of ‘closing the stable door after the horse has bolted’, but we now have to check with all of the entertainment venues to see whether they comply with all rules and regulations,” he said.
One Briton and one Frenchman are among those who perished in the fire that broke out around 4am during a lighting strike.
Online reaction in Phuket to the fatal disco fire has been swift. “Skippy” wrote, “We were asked three years ago by an outside authority to do an unofficial fire safety audit on upstairs venues.
“We found chained fire escapes, blocked fire escapes, not enough fire extinguishers and in some cases we were threatened to get out.
“The result fell on deaf ears by the local authorities. ‘It won’t happen to us.’
“Condolences to all concerned and hopefully something good will eventuate from this tragedy.”
by Ian Jarrett
Ian Jarrett
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