Survivors say fireworks lit on stage

A patron, who identified herself as Fah, said she and two friends arrived at the Santika Pub at 10 pm and by the time it was already packed with customers.

She said it might be his luck that the pub was nearly full with about 500 customers, causing him and friends to be stand near the exit.

The customers were packed inside for the farewell party of the pub, in an event titled "New Year Goodbye Santika" she said.

She saw many customers on the second floor of the pub.

Fah recounted that he saw a group of singers went up on the stage at nearly 1 am and he saw fireworks being lit up to create some effects.

"I believe the fireworks caught fire on the ceiling and spread quickly," Fah said.

"At first, I thought it was an effect, which looked like real thing. Then, someone shouted "fire, fire" and panic broke out and people ran for their life.

"It's my luck that I and friends were standing near the exit so we could quickly leave and survive."

Pongsiri Wongseng, 28, said he and his sister joined the farewell and countdown party after hearing that the pub would cease operation after the party.

He said he, his girlfriend and his sisters as well as her friends arrived at the pub in a group of seven and they gather for music in front of the stage.

Pongsiri said he saw fire shot up on the stage, causing fire at foam which was used as props on the ceiling.

He said the fire spread very fast and his girlfriend shouted to others that fire broke out, leading to turmoil.

"Everybody ran outside and the situation was very chaotic," he said.

"I jump-kicked at the glass in front of the pub. I made  small hole and I don't know how could I get through the hole because I a big guy."

He said he later worried about his girlfriend and sister, who were later rescued by rescue workers.

He said his girlfriend suffered from a burn on her chest and hip and fainted out and rushed to the Camillian Hospital. His sister also suffered from minor burns.