Good Morning Britain took a tragic turn as the presenters had to interrupt their regular programming with some devastating news.
During Monday’s episode (December 30), Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins were discussing the day’s main stories when they had to hand over to Marverine Cole in the studio for an urgent update.
Marverine reported the heartbreaking news that three foreign tourists had died in a horrific fire at a backpacker hotel in Bangkok. One victim was declared dead at the scene, while two others tragically passed away from their injuries after being rushed to hospital.
Thai media reports suggested that the trio, two men and one woman, were overcome by smoke inhalation before losing their lives. The fire started on the fifth floor of the Ember Hotel, located on Bangkok’s busy Khao San Road, a popular spot for travellers, just after 9pm local time.
Firefighters managed to control the flames by approximately 10.30pm, and authorities are now investigating what caused the tragic incident. At the time of the fire, 75 guests were inside the hotel; all were evacuated, with seven sustaining injuries, among them two Thais and five foreigners.
Following the tragedy, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stressed the importance of safety, especially with New Year’s Eve festivities approaching and fireworks and celebrations expected across the city.
A spokesperson for the fire service detailed: “At 9.26pm, fire crews arrived at the scene of the fire at a six-storey hotel building. The fire was on the fifth floor. There were two people trapped in a room. One was a male and the other a female. Hotel staff helped 40 people from the roof of the building and fire crews entered to extinguish the fire. Smoke was filling all of the top floors.”
Khao San Road, a bustling hub in Bangkok, is a magnet for thousands of backpackers who flock to the area nightly. Nestled in the Banglamphu district near the Chao Phraya River, it’s a hit with travellers.
Bargain hunters can find budget hotel rooms on Khao San Road for as little as 200 Thai baht (£4.68) a night.
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