The cause of the fire is under investigation but several witnesses recalled a fireworks display during the New Year's countdown had ignited the blaze. It is believed to have started from a display on the nightclubs stage; Rescue workers have said most of the bodies were found in a pit area surrounding the stage suggesting that witness reports are correct.

"Everybody was pushing against each other trying to get out to the front door as quickly as possible. I saw people, particularly young girls, being pushed away and crushed underneath as others were stomping on them trying to get out," said Sompong Tritaweelap, who lives in an apartment behind the nightclub.

"People were screaming for help from every window. It was a terrible sight. Their hair and clothes were on fire but there was nothing they could do as the fire engulfed them," he said.

Police Lt. Gen. Jongrak Jutanont said the initial investigation found the club's safety system was "substandard" but did not elaborate.

About 1,000 people were celebrating at the premises during the incident. Victims died from burns, smoke inhalation and injuries during the stampede from the club, which had only one door for the public. Police Maj. Gen. Chokchai Deeprasertwit.

Firefighters stated 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.

Firefighter Watcharapong Sri-saard said in addition to a lack of exits, a number of staircases inside the club as well as bars across the second-floor windows made escape difficult.

Just after dawn, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva visited the still-smouldering club, Later, during a visit with the injured at one of the hospitals, he said, "The question is why they let someone take fireworks inside the pub and light them up."

We ask why safety regulations are so often loosely enforced; the confusion over escape routes and exits in this case demonstrates a lack of conspicuous guidance and safety signage for the occupants. This is once again a disaster where deaths could have been avoided had precautions been implemented in advance.

ISO7010 has been developed to aid in such disasters to enable all occupants' direction to a safe exit, not only would safety signage have helped avoid the surge to the front door but ISO7010 signage is also designed to be intuitive to all nationalities helping all occupants, locals and foreigners to escape to safety.

For further information regarding ISO7010 or for advice to ensure your safety signs conform email solutions@means-of-escape.com with your details.

Go back »