Worker killed as fire breaks out at nightclub in Thailand
A worker was killed as a fire broke out at a nightclub in Thailand.
Thanaphon Boonchan, 28, was in the toilet when the blaze erupted at the Catwalk host bar in 'Sin City' Pattaya, in the early hours of today.
Other employees immediately fled the building when they saw thick smoke pouring out of the ceiling.
But Thanaphon, who was in a separate room at the time, was trapped as the flames rapidly spread.
He tried to rush for the exit but it was blocked by burning furniture, before collapsing as smoke filled the venue.
Firefighters arrived at the scene at around 12:16 am local time to find smoke billowing from the premises.
They spent 30 minutes bringing the inferno under control.
Fire officials believe the blaze originated near the entrance, where Thanaphon's body was found lying near scorched chairs and tables.
Police said the cause of the fire was being determined.
Investigations were underway as the club was also found to be unlicensed and had no emergency exits.
Somchai Nawacharoen, 63, who was delivering water to a nearby business during the fire, said he immediately lent his truck to supply water to firefighters.
He said: 'I saw how large the flames were, so I immediately offered my truck to help supply water to the firefighters. I just wanted to do what I could to help.'
Fires in Thailand are commonly caused by ageing electrical infrastructure, extensive use of wood in construction, and regional heat waves that can exacerbate fire risks.
Rapid fire response can also be hampered in densely packed neighbourhoods where narrow streets can delay firefighting efforts.
