Dozens dead in Bangkok nightclub fire

At least four Britons were injured in a New Year's Eve fire in a Bangkok nightclub that killed 59 people, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said. Thai officials said a number of foreigners were among the casualties of the blaze, which erupted shortly after midnight at the Santika Club. More than 200 people were injured during the stampede to escape from the venue, which had only one exit for the public. A FCO spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that we know of four Britons who have been injured." She said consular staff in Thailand were helping Britons affected by the tragedy. "They are trying to get to the bottom of how many British nationals have been involved, either injured or killed," she said. One of the injured Britons described how the fire suddenly spread from a stage where a DJ and band were performing. Steven Hall said some of the revellers appeared to think the flames were part of the show and hesitated to flee the club. He said: "I was just watching the show that was going on at the time. They had a DJ and a band. "All of a sudden I saw flames billowing from the top of the stage, then along the ceiling. "Then everybody converged towards the exit from the balconies, down the stairs area, and from the dancefloor. It was a bit like a stampede. "It did take a few moments to realise what was going on, because it seemed as though it was part of the performance. "But looking at the performers on stage, looking at the embers and what looked like sparks falling down onto the stage, they looked totally horrified. "And you could feel the heat instantly came down from the ceiling. "At the same time there were people rushing to get out, there were other people who seemed to be lacking a sense of urgency and didn't seem to realise what was going on." Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva visited the injured people in hospital and the charred building, saying fire crackers should not have been brought inside the club. The Health Ministry's emergency centre said 184 people had been injured. Foreigners treated in hospitals included those from Japan, Australia, the Netherlands and France, police said.

» More on this story... «

ITN | January 1, 2009

Tags:. .fco. .billowing. .embers. .converged. .stampede