PUBLISHED: 30 Dec 2024 at 16:16
In a tragic incident, three victims have been identified following a deadly hotel fire near Khao San Road in Bangkok, raising concerns within the tourism sector. Among the deceased is a Brazilian woman, Pimentel Canales Albuquerque, who had recently received a proposal from her boyfriend just a week prior. The other victims included a 27-year-old Ukrainian man, Tuzov Victor, and a 35-year-old American man, Freeman Timothy Jr.
The fire broke out late Sunday night in Room 511 of The Ember Hotel, where the Brazilian woman lost her life. The two men were later pronounced dead at local hospitals. Additionally, seven others sustained injuries, including hotel electrician Sorawut Liewhamai and two Netherlanders, Marvin Holtkamp and Nadine Hueftlein.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt remarked that investigations indicate the blaze began in Room 511, which was entirely consumed by flames. Of the 75 guests present, 34 managed to escape to the rooftop and were subsequently rescued by fire trucks.
Notably, the Brazilian woman perished in the room thought to be the origin of the fire. Investigators believe she may have mistakenly entered Room 511 while attempting to escape, as the door was left ajar. Earlier, she had checked in with her boyfriend, who was staying in Room 504 and survived the incident.
The Ember Hotel, which opened in April 2022, was converted from 11 interconnected commercial units covering an area of 1,515 square meters. Although the hotel had two fire exits and adequate fire extinguishers, it lacked a sprinkler system, as it did not meet the requirements due to its size.
Amorn Pimanmas from the Thailand Structural Engineers Association speculated that the fire originated from the bed in Room 511, citing extensive damage to the mattress. Fortunately, the overall structure of the hotel remained intact.
Authorities are in pursuit of three Korean individuals who had previously stayed in Room 511, seeking information about the fire’s cause. In response to the tragic loss, the government announced compensation of 1 million baht for each life lost and 500,000 baht for every injury sustained.
