Explosion at hotel in Hat Yai

SONGKHLA, March 31 (TNA) - More than 50 persons were injured Saturday following an explosion at the underground of a deluxe hotel in the heart of Hat Yai district while many were still trapped on the upper storey, officials said. Officials said the explosion erupted at the underground floor of the 33-storey Lee Garden Plaza Hotel which is situated in the heart of Hat Yai district, known as shopping paradise for tourists, at about 1.00 p.m. Small shopping outlets are located on the underground floor. Fire erupted following the explosion while shoppers and hotel guests trapped on the upper storey of the hotel tried to escape the inferno. Several trapped people smashed glass windows while many tried to climb downstairs as the hotel building was filled with heavy smoke, officials said. Rescue officials were trying to help people who were still trapped inside the tallest building in the district. The chaotic situation sent more than 50 persons injured and they were sent to several hospitals for treatment. It was still unknown whether any person died inside the hotel building as firemen were trying to contain the blaze. Officials were still unable to say whether the explosion was caused by sabotage or accident. (TNA)