ID :
38586
Fri, 01/02/2009 - 20:54
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/38586
The shortlink copeid
Safety measures stepped up after nightclub fire tragedy
Safety measures stepped up after nightclub fire tragedy
BANGKOK, Jan 2 (TNA) - Thailand's Minister of Interior has ordered authorities involved to inspect safety measures at entertainment venues in Bangkok and throughout Thailand and outline measures to prevent possible accidents following a New Year fire at a packed Bangkok club which killed 60 partygoers.
Interior minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said during his visit to Chulalongkorn Hospital where blaze victims from the New Year’s blaze at Santika Club were being treated that law enforcement in fire safety and the building code must be stepped up.
“We should learn from this tragic event and come up with measures to avoid repeating the same mistakes. There should be random inspections on safety measures to be conducted by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials,” said the interior minister.
Thai officials said so far 11 charred bodies were still unidentified from the Santika blaze and the death toll had risen to 60.
Thirty-five foreigners were among the nearly 250 people injured in the fire on New Year's Eve. According to Chulalongkorn Hospital director Adisorn Pataradul, his hospital was treating 12 people injured in the blaze, and one of two critically-injured patients was a Japanese national, Keiichi Wada.
Department of Information director-general Tharit Charungvat said Chinese ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jiuhuan had sent a message of condolence regarding the loss of lives and injuries in the fire. China was also to send medical supplies worth US$500,000 for treatment of the fire victims, due to arrive in Thailand on Saturday.
Police Maj. Gen. Jongrak Jutanont said police had interviewed witnesses and survivors to establish the cause of the blaze, which was yet to be concluded.
“Now the initial allegation is the club operator broke the law by allowing people under the age of 20 to enter the club,” he said.
Gen. Jongrak said a seventeen-year-old was found dead in the fire. Police will press charges against the club’s owner, who was reportedly being treated in a hospital. The Police Chief added the incident was not likely arson, as the club’s insurance had expired in mid 2008. (TNA)
BANGKOK, Jan 2 (TNA) - Thailand's Minister of Interior has ordered authorities involved to inspect safety measures at entertainment venues in Bangkok and throughout Thailand and outline measures to prevent possible accidents following a New Year fire at a packed Bangkok club which killed 60 partygoers.
Interior minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said during his visit to Chulalongkorn Hospital where blaze victims from the New Year’s blaze at Santika Club were being treated that law enforcement in fire safety and the building code must be stepped up.
“We should learn from this tragic event and come up with measures to avoid repeating the same mistakes. There should be random inspections on safety measures to be conducted by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials,” said the interior minister.
Thai officials said so far 11 charred bodies were still unidentified from the Santika blaze and the death toll had risen to 60.
Thirty-five foreigners were among the nearly 250 people injured in the fire on New Year's Eve. According to Chulalongkorn Hospital director Adisorn Pataradul, his hospital was treating 12 people injured in the blaze, and one of two critically-injured patients was a Japanese national, Keiichi Wada.
Department of Information director-general Tharit Charungvat said Chinese ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jiuhuan had sent a message of condolence regarding the loss of lives and injuries in the fire. China was also to send medical supplies worth US$500,000 for treatment of the fire victims, due to arrive in Thailand on Saturday.
Police Maj. Gen. Jongrak Jutanont said police had interviewed witnesses and survivors to establish the cause of the blaze, which was yet to be concluded.
“Now the initial allegation is the club operator broke the law by allowing people under the age of 20 to enter the club,” he said.
Gen. Jongrak said a seventeen-year-old was found dead in the fire. Police will press charges against the club’s owner, who was reportedly being treated in a hospital. The Police Chief added the incident was not likely arson, as the club’s insurance had expired in mid 2008. (TNA)
