30-12-2024 (BANGKOK) Authorities have identified the three victims of Sunday night’s fatal fire at The Ember Hotel, situated near Bangkok’s popular Khao San Road district. Among the deceased was a 24-year-old Brazilian woman who had received a marriage proposal just days before the tragedy.
The victims have been confirmed as Brazilian national Pimentel Canales Albuquerue, 24, Ukrainian citizen Tuzov Victor, 27, and American national Freeman Timothy Jr., 35. Albuquerue was discovered in Room 511, where investigators believe the fire originated, while the two male victims later succumbed to their injuries at local hospitals.
The blaze, which erupted late Sunday evening, also left seven people injured, including hotel electrician Sorawut Liewhamai and two Dutch tourists, Marvin Holtkamp and Nadine Hueftlein.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that the fire appeared to be concentrated in Room 511, where evidence suggests the Brazilian victim may have become disoriented in the smoke-filled corridors whilst attempting to escape. Tragically, Albuquerue had been staying in Room 504 with her fiancé, who survived the incident after becoming separated during their evacuation attempt.
Of the 75 guests present during the incident, 34 were rescued from the building’s rooftop via fire brigade ladders. The hotel, which opened in April 2022, was converted from 11 connected commercial units spanning 1,515 square metres. While equipped with two fire exits and fire extinguishers, the establishment did not have a sprinkler system, as it was not required for a property of its size.
Thailand Structural Engineers Association President Amorn Pimanmas indicated that the fire likely originated from a bed in Room 511, where only springs remained of a completely incinerated mattress. Investigators are currently seeking three Korean nationals who had previously occupied the room but were absent when the fire broke out.
The Thai government has announced compensation packages of 1 million baht for each fatality and 500,000 baht for those injured in the incident. Tourism and Sports Ministry Permanent Secretary Natthriya Thaweevong confirmed these arrangements as authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the deadly blaze.
