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Phnom Penh, Cambodia CNN — Victims jumped to their deaths from burning buildings in a frantic attempt to escape a deadly fire that engulfed a casino in Cambodia Wednesday, Thai rescue workers said.
The rescuers said at least 11 people were killed but the death toll was expected to rise higher from the blaze at the Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino in Poipet, which borders Thailand.
Patcharin Thaenthong, leader of a Thai rescue team who responded to emergency calls from Cambodian authorities, said some of the victims appeared to have died from smoke inhalation. “When we arrived, we could not get in because the fire had already taken over (most of) the buildings,” he said.
Approximately 700 Thai citizens were rescued and sent to hospitals in Thailand, according to authorities.
Photos from the scene show huge bright amber flames and plumes of smoke rising from the complex.