01/01/2009 | 05:24 AM
BANGKOK, Thailand — At least 54 New Year's revelers died when a fire swept through a packed nightclub in the Thai capital, police at the scene said Thursday.
Workers counting the bodies at the scene told Associated Press photographer Sakchai Lalitkanjankul that about 100 others were injured when the blaze broke out in the building, which has two stories and a basement.
Police Maj. Gen. Chokchai Deeprasertwit said the fire may have been caused by firecrackers brought into the Santika Club by guests or sparks flying from a New Year's countdown display on the nightclub stage.
The police officer said 53 bodies had been counted at the scene while another person died at a hospital.
He said death came through burns, smoke inhalation and injuries during the stampede to escape from the club, which had only one door for entry and exit.
The rescue workers said most of the bodies were found in the basement of the club, which attracts a well-heeled crowd of Thais and foreigners. The corpses, placed in white body bags, were laid out in rows in the parking lot in front of the club. - AP
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Topic: 54 die in nightclub fire in Bangkok (Read 1535 times)