59 die in Bangkok blaze

A fire swept through a high-end nightclub jammed with hundreds of New Year’s Eve revelers early today, killing at least 59 people and injuring more than 200, officials said.

A number of foreigners were among the casualties.

The blaze erupted shortly after midnight at the Santika Club in Bangkok’s entertainment district.

The victims died of burns, smoke inhalation or injuries sustained in the stampede to escape the club, which had only one door for the public, Police Maj. Gen. Chokchai Deeprasertwit said. Firefighters said a door at the rear was known only to the staff, and an Associated Press reporter saw a third door at one side of the building.

The Narenthorn Emergency Center, which was coordinating relief efforts, said 59 people died, and eight of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. It said 203 people were injured.

Chokchai said the fire may have been caused by firecrackers brought into the club by guests or by sparks flying from a New Year’s Eve countdown display on the nightclub stage.

The club was packed with about 1,000 people, said police officers who declined to be named because they were not authorized to speak to journalists.