World - Police in Bangkok say the lead singer of a band called Burn was seen lighting fireworks shortly before a New Year's Eve fire killed 65 people in a nightclub. Saravuth Ariya, 28, has been charged with starting the fire in the club Santika, The Daily Telegraph, a British newspaper, reported Tuesday.

"He was seen carrying fireworks into the pub and lighting them during the countdown," said police spokesman Jongrak Jutanot.

Five others, all owners and managers of the club, have been charged with causing death by negligence and admitting minors.

The Santika club lacked an operating license from the city and signatures of engineers had been forged on construction documents, the Telegraph reported, noting the nightspot had been raided 47 times for operating without a license.

Written by United Press International