Over 100 evacuated from Pattaya condo fire

PHOTOS: The Pattaya News

More than 100 tourists and residents were evacuated after a fire in a Pattaya condo yesterday morning. Firefighters, police and rescue workers arrived quickly at the Laguna Beach condo in Jomtien, south of Pattaya city. The Pattaya Public Disaster Relief Unit coordinated rescue efforts.

The room on the seventh floor where the fire started was completely destroyed, though the the cause of the blaze hasn’t yet been determined. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire or evacuation, but some people needed treatment for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters and rescue workers were able to assist many tourists from the building but trapped residents could be seen waving for help in photos and videos posted on social media.

Firefighters say many residents were ignoring the alarms and didn’t immediately vacate the building, thinking it was a drill or an accident. But as smoke filled the hallways, many became trapped, especially on the seventh floor. There appeared to be no one in the room where the fire broke out and firefighters were able to extinguish it quickly.

Investigators are reviewing the scene to determine the cause of the fire and assess damage to the room and the building.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News