GMB halted as Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins interrupt show with breaking news

Good Morning Britain took a sad turn as the hosts had to issue some distressing breaking news.

During Monday's episode (December 30), Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins were discussing the day's stories when they had to pass over to Marverine Cole in the studio for an urgent update. Marverine relayed the tragic news that three foreign tourists had lost their lives in a severe fire at a backpacker hotel in Bangkok.

One victim was declared dead at the scene, while two others sadly passed away from their injuries after being taken to hospital. Thai media reports suggested that the trio, including one woman, were overcome by smoke inhalation before tragically losing their lives.

The fire started on the 5th floor of the Ember Hotel located on Bangkok's busy Khao San Road, a popular spot for travellers, just after 9pm local time. Firefighters managed to control the flames by approximately 10:30pm, and authorities are now investigating what caused the tragic incident.

At the time of the fire, 75 guests were inside the hotel; all were evacuated, with seven sustaining injuries, among them two Thais and five foreigners. Following the tragedy, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stressed the importance of safety, particularly with New Year's Eve countdown festivities approaching, which will see fireworks and celebrations across the city.

A spokesperson for the fire service disclosed: "At 9.26 pm, fire crews arrived at the scene of the fire at a six-storey hotel building. The fire was on the fifth floor. There were two people trapped in a room. One was a male and the other a female. Hotel staff helped 40 people from the roof of the building and fire crews entered to extinguish the fire. Smoke was filling all of the top floors."