At least 19 people have died and dozens others are still missing after a massive fire at a Cambodian hotel casino Thursday.
The number of persons killed or injured during the fire at the Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino in Poipet, is likely to rise as rescue workers continue their search for those trapped in the building. According to the Associated Press, the blaze started around midnight Wednesday and was put out over 12 hours later at 2 p.m.
The city of Poipet borders Thailand and is known for its multiple casinos. Cambodian authorities said some victims jumped to their deaths from the burning building in a bid to escape, while some had died from smoke inhalation and were found locked in their rooms at the hotel which is more than 12 storey tall.
Videos of the massive fire have been circulated on social media. The Associated Press said an initial investigation found that the fire may have been caused from New Year’s decorations drawing too much electricity, causing wires to overheat and burn.
Those dead and injured are from different nationalities, including Thai, Chineese, Malaysian, Vietnamese and Cambodian.
