Dozens Perish in Bangkok Club Fire

Fire swept through a high-class Bangkok nightclub jammed with several hundred New Year's revelers early yesterday, killing at least 59 people and injuring more than 200, the AP reports. A number of foreigners were among the casualties from the blaze, which erupted shortly after midnight. Victims died from burns, smoke inhalation, and injuries during the stampede to escape from the club, which had a single public door, a police official said.

Firefighters said a door at the rear was known only to the staff. Video footage of the disaster showed bloodied, bruised, and burned victims being dragged out of the two-story club or managing to run through the door or shattered windows.The center coordinating relief efforts said 59 people died, with eight of the bodies burned beyond recognition, and another 203 were injured. It was unclear how many foreigners were among the casualties. (More Thailand stories.)