More on the Bangkok nightclub fire

Some updates on the new year’s eve Bangkok nightclub fire:

1. At least 59 people were killed and approximately 200 were injured. Some estimates put the number of dead at 61 or 62.
2. The club was popular with Thais and foreigners alike. Survivors include citizens of 12 countries.
3. Witnesses say partygoers at the nightclub had only one exit from which to escape the fire. Some reports say the club had just one fire extinguisher.
4. It may take up to a week to identify approximately 30 of the bodies, as they were burned beyond recognition.
5. The club was called Santika, located on Ekkamai road (Sukhumvit soi 63).
6. Witnesses say the blaze was started by fireworks that were ignited inside the club, though police say the exact cause is still unclear. Some witnesses say revelers were given sparklers inside the club.
7. A sad, ironic twist: new year’s eve marked the club’s “Goodbye Santika” party, as the property’s lease was up and the club was due to be relocated.
8. A Wikipedia page called “2009 Bangkok nightclub fire” has been established.

Here are some recent media reports:

• Bangkok Post: “Pub inferno leaves 61 dead” and “Police to charge Santika owner.”
• The Nation: “Survivors tell of stampede for exits” and “Rescuers helpless as flames engulf revellers”
• AFP: “Survivors recall horror of Bangkok blaze as mourners pray”
• FT: “Blaze at Bangkok nightclub kills 59”
• Bloomberg: “Thai Police Probe Cause of Club Blaze That Killed 59”
• A YouTube search for “Bangkok nightclub fire” yields several videos, both news reports and mobile phone videos by witnesses. (Viewer discretion is advised.)