PHNOM PENH: 19 people were killed to have died in a fire at a casino in Cambodia. Many people were also injured in the accident. The fire broke out at the casino of the Grand Diamond City Hotel in Poipet, which shares the border with Thailand. It is reported that the death toll may rise. The accident happened at 11.30 local time. Rescue workers are continuing search for those trapped in the building.

Troops from Thailand have also reached Poipet for rescue operations. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the injured were taken to various hospitals in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province. So far, 79 Thai nationals, 30 Cambodians and eight Indonesians have been admitted to hospitals in Thailand. After the fire, the smoke rose excessively and adversely affected the rescue operation. Many died while jumping from the top of the building to escape.