| Seven people
have been charged over a nightclub fire in Thailand that killed 66
people and left four Britons injured, it has been reported.
Among those charged are the club's owner and the lead singer of
a band who was playing on the night, according to The Bangkok
Post.
It is thought fireworks set off to celebrate New Year's Eve 2008
caused the fire at Santika.
Partygoers scrambled to get out of the upmarket Bangkok club but
their escape was hindered by inadequate exits, according to
emergency workers.
Four Britons were injured in the fire, including Alex Wargacki,
a foreign exchange worker from London, who was living in Bangkok at
the time; Steven Hall, from Cardiff, South Wales; and 35-year-old
Oliver Smart from Millhouses, Sheffield, who suffered severe burns,
damage to his airway, renal failure and high blood pressure.
According to the Bangkok Post, Santika nightclub executive Wisuk
Setsawat, general manager Thawatchai Srithumma, and lead singer of
the band Burn, Saravuth Ariya, have all been charged with counts of
carelessness leading to deaths and injuries. Entertainment manager
Pongthep Jinda, marketing manager Puthipong Walailikree, Suriya
Ritrabue and Boonchu Laosiharthave also been indicted.
|