At least 10 people were killed and 50 others injured when a fire broke out at a multi-story casino hotel in Cambodia on Wednesday night. Around 400 people, including foreign nationals, were present in the hotel when the fire broke out.
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At least 10 people were killed and 50 others injured when a fire broke out at a hotel popular for gambling in the Cambodian border region of Poi Put on Wednesday night, according to Cambodian police. The fire that broke out on the ground floor of the hotel soon spread throughout the multi-storied casino hotel building.
Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Sethi Loh confirmed the casualties and said that the incident of fire occurred at around 11:30 pm local time. He said that the hotel was burning till Thursday morning.
About 400 people were inside the Diamond City Grand Hotel when the fire broke out, according to Cambodian police. Among them were many foreigners. People from all over the world visit this hotel to gamble. He further informed that the dead bodies and the injured have been shifted to local hospitals.
A volunteer from the Rawam Katanyu Foundation, a Thai rescue and relief organization, said the fire started on the ground floor of the hotel but quickly spread through the multi-story building.
Appeal for help from Thailand
Cambodian authorities appealed for help from Thailand to help control the fire and support relief and rescue operations, after which Bangkok provided ten rescue vehicles and five fire tenders. According to Thailand’s state television channel, PBS, the hotel was occupied by many Thai citizens when the fire broke out, and about 50 Thai citizens were trapped inside.
The Thai Foreign Ministry said that the injured have been admitted to hospitals in Thailand’s Sakhaew region. Sakaiw Region Governor Parnia Photist said 32 Thai nationals were being treated in hospitals, while one had died.
It should be noted that casinos in Cambodia are an important part of its tourism industry. Citizens of Asian countries where gambling is prohibited by law flock to Cambodia in large numbers to gamble. In addition to the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia has opened large-scale casinos in areas along the borders with Vietnam and Thailand.
