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SINGAPORE: The toll from the New Year's Day fire at Santika Club in Bangkok is rising. As of now, one Singaporean, Teo Sze Siong has died; three other Singaporeans are injured and two are still missing.
In a statement released on Friday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said he had been with the company for 13 years, the last three in a managerial position.
Mr Teo was part of a team that oversees planning of air traffic control systems.
Well-liked by colleagues, he was said to be a good mentor to younger air traffic staff.
His brother, who is in Bangkok now, was understandably extremely upset and would only say that details were still sketchy and that his brother had died of suffocation.
CAAS said their sympathies are with Mr Teo's family and their prayers are also with two other CAAS officers who were with Mr Teo when the fire broke out.
One, Donald Low, is hospitalised while the other remains missing.
A team from the board left for Bangkok on Friday to assist these families and to visit the injured officer.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
Over in Singapore, large clubs like St James Powerhouse which can accommodate up to 4,000 party-goers said they follow strict fire safety regulations.
Dennis Foo, CEO, St James Powerhouse, said: "You don't need combustible sparklers to create the mood. You can have balloons falling off the ceiling to create the mood or you can have confetti sprays. All these are not fire hazards."
However, they have put in additional safety measures over time, such as more exit signs. - CNA/vm
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