At least 19 people have been killed with 60 others injured after a huge hotel casino in Cambodia became engulfed in flames in a horror incident.
Frantic clips showed people jumping out of windows to avoid burning to their deaths as onlookers begged for help.
One could be heard screaming “pump water, pump water” to try and save people trapped on the top of the towering hotel roof, which reaches more than 12 storeys at some points.
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A number of those trapped tried to brave the jump, with two dying immediately from the impact of hitting the ground and five breaking their legs from the landing, according to Peerapan Srisakorn from the Aranyaprathet Rescue Foundation.
He told CNN: “Some people ran to the rooftop, thinking that the Cambodians might have a rescue crane to help – but they didn’t have one.
“It was very windy last night. The fire spread up quickly to the upper floors and then to every side, engulfing the whole building.”
Some of those who died in the tragedy passed away from inhaling smoke, with the blaze so bad that neighbouring country Thailand had to send five fire engines and 10 rescue vans.
As the hotel used an electric system for its rooms, when the fire savaged the building some remained trapped in their rooms and couldn’t escape.
A total of 360 emergency workers and 11 fire engines fearlessly searched for victims and tried to control the furious blaze.
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The Grand Diamond City Casino and Hotel in the border town of Poipet is now severely damaged and there are reports of the building leaning “precariously”.
Thai fire group leader Patcharin did not confirm the cause of the tragedy and said: "When we arrived, we could not get in because the fire had already taken over the buildings."
Whilst Poipet mayor Keat Hol said: "The fire continues to burn quickly and the extent of the damage has not yet been estimated."
The death toll from the fire, which broke out midnight on Wednesday (December 28) and was still burning on Thursday (December 29), is sadly expected to rise as some victims may still be trapped under debris or in locked rooms.
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