Death toll in Thai nightclub blaze rises to 64

updated 9:55 a.m. ET Jan. 5, 2009

BANGKOK, Thailand - Thai police said Monday the death toll in a New Year's Eve nightclub fire has reached 64 after two of those injured died.

The fire raced through the two-story Santika Club, engulfing many in flames. Others died in a stampede as hundreds of revelers tried to escape through the club's main door.

Police have said the owner of a Thai nightclub will face criminal charges over the blaze, which was likely sparked by a countdown fireworks display.

Police Lt. Col. Prawit Kangwol said Monday the death toll had reached 64, including a Japanese national who died at Chulalongkorn Hospital Sunday night. He did not have details on the other victim.

The hospital identified the Japanese man as 25-year-old Keiichi Wada, who had burns over more than 60 percent of his body.

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