Couple, 73 Cats Perish in Bangkok Townhouse Blaze

A devastating fire ripped through a three-storey townhouse in the Samre area of Bangkok on Saturday morning, claiming the lives of a married couple and 73 pet cats. Firefighters managed to rescue an infant and a bedridden elderly woman trapped inside. Upon arrival at the scene in Soi Taksin 11, Thon Buri district, flames had engulfed the ground floor and were spreading rapidly to the second. The blaze was brought under control within approximately 10 minutes. Rescuers located the bodies of a 65-year-old man and his 55-year-old wife on the second floor. Samre police believe they succumbed to smoke inhalation, and their bodies have been sent for autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Online comments revealed that the couple had been dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray cats for many years, with nearly 100 cats reportedly living in the townhouse. The incident has deeply affected the local community. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, speaking during a Facebook live broadcast from the scene, cited reports from the Thon Buri district director indicating that 73 cats perished and 19 survived. Two surviving cats are receiving treatment for smoke inhalation at a hospital, while the remaining 17 have been transferred to a shelter in Prawet district. Governor Chadchart extended his condolences to the family and urged anyone interested in adopting the surviving cats to contact the Prawet shelter at 02-328-7460 or via the Facebook page BKK Adopter. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to provide assistance to those affected. Information Source: Bangkok Post