ID :
42750
Tue, 01/27/2009 - 14:14
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/42750
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Singer arrested in Bangkok New Year nightclub blaze
BANGKOK, Jan 27 (TNA) - Thai authorities have arrested the singer of the trendy "Burn" band after police investigators determined that he lighted the firework, that triggered the catastrophic New Year's fire at the countdown party at the Santika Club, killing 66 people and injuring hundreds more.
The arrest warrant issued against Sarawut Ariya, the singer, charging him with negligence causing death, serious injuries and damaging property with a possible maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment. Bail has been set at one million baht (28,650 dollars).
Deputy National Police Commissioner Gen. Jongrak Juthanont said that Mr. Sarawut denied all charges, saying he will fight the case in court.
The police said according to witnesses, Mr. Sarawut set alight the fireworks, and that the flames shot upward some eight to ten metres and in less than 30 seconds, the blaze occurred.
According to the witnesses, the planned special effects during the countdown party extended less than five metres.
Gen. Jongrak said that the case involved six suspects. Mr. Sarawut was detained at Thonglor police station, awaiting.
Meanwhile Gen. Jongrak also said he ordered investigation of a comment from the Ministry of Justice that a senior police officer was a partner in the Santika Club which might be linked to the question of why the Santika Club was not usually visited by police even though some of its operations were illegal. (TNA)
The arrest warrant issued against Sarawut Ariya, the singer, charging him with negligence causing death, serious injuries and damaging property with a possible maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment. Bail has been set at one million baht (28,650 dollars).
Deputy National Police Commissioner Gen. Jongrak Juthanont said that Mr. Sarawut denied all charges, saying he will fight the case in court.
The police said according to witnesses, Mr. Sarawut set alight the fireworks, and that the flames shot upward some eight to ten metres and in less than 30 seconds, the blaze occurred.
According to the witnesses, the planned special effects during the countdown party extended less than five metres.
Gen. Jongrak said that the case involved six suspects. Mr. Sarawut was detained at Thonglor police station, awaiting.
Meanwhile Gen. Jongrak also said he ordered investigation of a comment from the Ministry of Justice that a senior police officer was a partner in the Santika Club which might be linked to the question of why the Santika Club was not usually visited by police even though some of its operations were illegal. (TNA)
