THE fire at a six-storey hotel in Sadao, Songkhla, yesterday was caused by a short circuit.

Deputy Foreign Minister Marzuki Yahya said this puts to rest allegations that the blaze occurred due to a sabotage or terrorist attack.

“The fire was caused by a short circuit. We received a report from our consulate-general in Songkhla that 15 Malaysians were affected.

“It is learnt that only eight were taken to Hatyai Hospital, Padang Besar Hospital and Songkhla Hospital. The seven others were given outpatient treatment.

“Alhamdulillah, there was no fatality,” he told reporters after officiating at the SMK Kg Selamat excellence award ceremony in Tasek Gelugor today.

In the incident, which took place at 8.25am local time, hotel guests escaped through the balconies and windows of their rooms.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla Mohd Afandi Abu Bakar said five of the eight Malaysians are still in hospital.

He said three are being treated at Hatyai Hospital, and the other two at Songkhla Hospital.

“Based on the information received, one of them is in serious condition, while the other four are reported to be stable,” he told reporters in the southern Thailand city.

Representatives from the Malaysian consulate-general visited the victims at the two hospitals today. – Bernama, April 13, 2019.