Dozens die in nightclub fire in Bangkok

A number of foreigners were among the casualties from the blaze that erupted shortly after midnight at the Santika Club in an entertainment district of Bangkok.

Victims died from burns, smoke inhalation and injuries during the stampede to escape from the club, which had only one door for the public, police Maj. Gen. Chokchai Deeprasertwit said. Firefighters said a door at the rear was known only to the staff, while an Associated Press reporter saw a third door at one side of the building.

Video footage of the disaster showed bloodied, bruised and burned victims being dragged out of the burning club or managing to run through the door or shattered windows. The video - provided to AP Television News by rescue workers - showed flames racing through the entire building even as the rescue operation was going on.

Police Gen. Jongrak Jutanont put the death toll at 59, which included an undetermined number of foreigners. He said that among the injured were nationals of Australia, Nepal, Japan and the Netherlands.

An Associated Press photographer saw the bodies of at least 10 foreigners from the fire at the police morgue but authorities did not provide immediate identification.

Most of the victims were confirmed dead at the club but at least one person died at a hospital. Rescue workers counting bodies told AP that about 130 others were injured. They said they believed other bodies were still inside the blaze-gutted building, which has two stories and a basement.

Local press reports said as many as 200 people sustained injuries and were rushed to five city hospitals.

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