Cambodia Hotel Casino Fire... 19 Dead

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] A large fire broke out on the night of the 28th (local time) at a casino hotel in northwestern Cambodia, resulting in dozens of casualties.

According to AFP and local Cambodian media on the 29th, the fire started around 11:30 PM the previous day at the Grand Diamond City Hotel Casino in Poipet, near the border with Thailand.

Local fire authorities reported at least 19 deaths and dozens of injuries.

The fire was extinguished around noon on the 29th, about 12 hours later. The search inside the casino is still ongoing, and with some of the injured in critical condition, the death toll is expected to rise.

The fire reportedly began when a gas cylinder exploded on the casino side. A volunteer from a rescue organization dispatched from Thailand said the flames that started on the first floor spread rapidly throughout the building via the carpet.

Thai local media reported that there were 50 Thais, including employees and customers, at the casino. Among the deceased was one Thai national. Since casinos are illegal in Thailand, many Thais visit casinos in border areas of Cambodia.

A Thai Foreign Ministry official stated, “We are closely cooperating with Cambodian authorities and are transporting injured individuals to hospitals in Thailand for treatment.” Thailand also provided firefighting personnel and equipment to assist in extinguishing the fire.