A fire in a Cambodian hotel gambling casino has killed at least 16 people and injured 50, police said Thursday, and neighboring Thailand has sent fire engines to help fight the blaze in a crowded border area.
Videos posted on social media showed people apparently jumping out of windows after they were caught in a fire at the Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino in the border town of Poipet.
#BREAKING: At least 60 dead, more than 100 injured in overnight fire at Grand Diamond City casino-hotel in Poipet, Cambodia; several others feared trapped pic.twitter.com/aH2OuHyc7z
— I.E.N. (@BreakingIEN) December 29, 2022
????VIDEO: People jump from Wednesday night’s fire at Grand Diamond City Hotel & Casino in Poipet, Cambodia pic.twitter.com/T5spAfermd
— Breaking News (@NewsJunkieBreak) December 29, 2022
Public radio in Thailand reported that dozens of Thais were trapped inside.
The fire, which broke out around midnight Wednesday, was still burning Thursday morning.
Maj. Gen. Seti Luo, police chief of Banteay Meanxi province, said 360 emergency personnel and 11 fire engines have been dispatched to the site and rescue teams are searching for victims.
Another Video-
Fire At The Grand Diamond City Hotel & #Casino In Poipet, Cambodia, Leaves At Least 10 People Dead, 30 Others Injured, And Potentially Dozens Missing. The Fire Is Still Only About 70% Contained.#GrandDiamond #Poipet #Cambodia #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/Ny0rdwglJu— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) December 29, 2022
City Luo said the cause of the fire is not yet known. The casino employs about 400 workers.
Thai broadcaster Thai BBS reported that 50 Thais, employees and customers, were trapped inside the casino complex. It stated that the Cambodian authorities requested assistance in dealing with the fire from Thailand, which sent five firefighting vehicles and 10 rescue vehicles.
Poipet is located in western Cambodia, opposite the wealthier Thai city of Aranyaprathet, and there is a bustling trade and tourism across the border.
It was reported that the emergency ward at Aranyapratit Hospital was full and that other victims had to be sent to other hospitals.