ID :
278810
Sat, 03/23/2013 - 06:33
Auther :

At least 45 persons killed, over 100 injured after fire hit refugee camp in Thai North

MAE HONG SON, March 23 (TNA) - At least 45 persons died and more than 100 injured after a fire erupted at a refugee camp housing ethnic Karen refugees from Myanmar in a Thai border province of Mae Hong Son late Friday, police said. The blaze destroyed makeshift houses and offices of the camp in Khun Yuam district, made by bamboo and banana leaves, police said. A total of 420 houses were destroyed, leaving more than 2,000 people suffered from the fire incident. Chuan Sirinanporn, Director-General of Provincial Administration Department, said the blaze was believed to have taken place after a refugee was cooking in a kitchen and fire from a stove caught the wall made by banana leaves. The blaze then spread to neighbouring houses. Combined police and soldier forces along with defence volunteers have been dispatched to assist the refugees while the number of fire victims may increase, Mr. Chuan said. There are about 3,000 refugees staying at the camp which is one of the nine under the supervision of the Interior Ministry, he said, adding that concerned officials initially believed the fire was caused by pure accident. Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has ordered Mae Hong Son governor and concerned officials to urgently provide humanitarian assistance to the victims who will be transferred to a temporary shelter. Necessities including clothing, drinking water and medicines have been dispatched to the victims. (TNA)

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