Burned Bangkok Nightclub Lacked Safety Measures, License To Operate

[WhiteTara]

Source: ahn

Source: ahn

Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) - The Santika nightclub in Bangkok which was razed by fire on New Year's Eve had only a night-time food stall license. It also lacked basic safety measures such as fire exits, a fire extinguisher and emergency lights, while its windows had bars.

The blaze killed 59 people, including foreigners, and more than 100 people remain hospitalized, with 32 having serious injuries. Of the 59 dead, 16 bodies remain unclaimed in the police morgue because they were burned beyond recognition.

Santika's license as a food shop permitted it to only remain open until midnight. The owners failed to secure a nightclub license because it was not in a designated entertainment zone. They had filed an appeal with the Thai courts since 2003, but in the meantime they continued to operate as a nightclub despite the appeal being dormant.

Thai police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan said the fire spread rapidly because of the light building materials used in the building, which was one of Bangkok's most prominent night spots located in a swanky zone. Witnesses blamed the blaze on firework which emanated from a stage show and hit a foam-like material on the ceiling which served as sound insulation. Guests were observed to have brought in firecrackers which they lit while inside the Santika.

Survivors of the fire said the club was packed to capacity with over 1,000 revelers. Police investigators said because the probe is still ongoing, the only charge they could file against the club owners in the meantime was permitting teenagers below 18 to enter.



Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013593326

---

dying to have fun. very sad.

[Ron Green]

1. Ah, the Free Market giveth...

and it taketh away.

What tragic loss and suffering.

[blendermax]

2. I'm surprised it didnt burn down long ago

a lot of cigarette smoking takes place in these death traps every night.

[juno jones]

3. Those who don't learn from the Cocnut Grove

Are doomed to repeat it.

[RamboLiberal]

4. Even more recent history - this seemed a repeat of The Station fire

from 2003. I heard this latest fire may have been caused by indoor pyrotechnics with insulation in the ceiling and only 1 exit known to patrons. I read the some patrons thought at first fire was part of the show. Same as The Station fire which killed 100.

Never forget those images of bodies stacked in the doorway of The Station with fire behind them with rescuers frantically trying to pull people out of the pile.

[juno jones]

5. I will look at that one more closely, thanks.

I'd heard a bit about it, and the bar I worked at recently couldn't have live music because of it (new zoning, fire laws, etc) but I'd never really caught the details. Thanks. :hi: Happy New Year!