An American and at least two others died in a fire at a Bangkok hotel near the popular Khao San street in the Thai capital

Bangkok — Three foreign nationals, including an American, were killed and seven other people were injured in a fire at a hotel in a popular tourist area of ​​the Thai capital, Bangkok, city officials said Monday. The Thai National Police said ua publish on social networks that a Brazilian woman died in the hotel, and two men, an American and a Ukrainian, were pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The cause of Sunday night’s fire at the Ember Hotel near Khao San Road, an area popular with backpackers and budget travelers, is still under investigation.

A State Department spokesman in Washington confirmed to CBS News on Monday the death of an American citizen in Bangkok and expressed the US government’s condolences to the family, but declined to provide any further information, citing privacy.

Five other foreigners and two Thai nationals were injured, the Bangkok city administration said on Monday.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said firefighters arrived at the scene of the six-story hotel within five minutes of receiving the call and rescued about 75 people with three cranes. Sittipunt ordered the hotel closed and the alarm system investigated.

In July, a fire broke out in the busy Chinatown of Khao San Road, prompting municipal authorities to deploy 40 fire engines to battle the blaze.

A month earlier, a fire tore through pet shops near Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak market, killing many animals in cages and destroying stalls.

There have long been concerns about Thailand’s lax approach to health and safety regulations, particularly in its myriad bars and hotels.

The kingdom expects 1.5 million foreign tourists during the New Year period, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub told local media, as the capital prepared fireworks on Tuesday night.

The municipal authorities announced on Monday that they will “prepare” ahead of the celebration.