Three Tourists From America, Brazil And Ukraine Died In Bangkok Hotel Fire

JAKARTA - Three tourists from the United States, Brazil, and Ukraine, died after a fire broke out at a hotel near Bangkok's popular backpacker district on Sunday night. Seven other people were hospitalized.

The fire broke out on the fifth floor of the six-story Ember Hotel, the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department said. The hotel is close to the Khao San area in Bangkok, which is popular among backpackers and famous for its bars and hosts.

A Brazilian woman was killed at the scene and two men, an American and Ukrainian, were declared dead in hospital. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

"The authorities reacted quickly and the fire alarm went off, but the smoke came out quickly," Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters.

There were 75 people in the hostel, 34 of whom were rescued from the roof. The local governor has ordered inspection of fire evacuation routes at hotels and entertainment venues throughout the city.

"We have to build confidence and take care of tourists," said Chadchart.