A fire at a hotel in Bangkok near the Thai capital’s famous Khao San Road has killed an American man, at least 2 others

Bangkok – Three foreigners, including an American man, were killed and seven others were injured when a fire broke out at a hotel in the popular tourist area of ​​the Thai capital, Bangkok, city authorities said on Monday. Thailand’s national police posted on social media that a Brazilian woman died at the hotel and two men, an American and a Ukrainian, were said to have died at a local hospital.

The cause of Sunday night’s fire at the Ember Hotel along Khao San Road, a popular spot for backpackers and budget travelers, is still under investigation.

Five other foreigners and two Thais were injured, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said on Monday.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said firefighters arrived at the scene of the six-story hotel within five minutes of being notified and rescued about 75 people with three cranes. Sittipunt ordered the hotel to be locked down and the alarm system investigated.

In July, a fire broke out on the busy Khao San Road in the Chinatown district, prompting municipal authorities to dispatch 40 fire engines to fight the blaze.

Last month a fire tore through pet shops near Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak market, killing many of the caged animals and destroying the shops.

Concerns have long been raised about Thailand’s lax approach to health and safety laws, particularly in its many bars and hotels.

The state is expecting 1.5 million foreign visitors in the new year, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub told reporters, as the capital prepares for a fireworks display on Tuesday night.

Municipal authorities said on Monday they would “wait to prepare” ahead of the celebration.