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55 killed in Bangkok nightclub fire

BANGKOK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- At least 55 New Year's revelers died when fire swept a popular Bangkok nightclub, police officials said.

Officials theorized that fireworks set off for the New Year's celebration probably ignited the Santika club's curtain near the roof, the Bangkok Post reported.

More than 100 people were reported injured, The Times of London said. Witnesses said at least 400 people were at the club when the fire erupted.

The fire broke out at the Santika club in the posh Thong Lor section of Bangkok shortly after partiers counted down to New Year's Day local time, said Lt. Gen. Viboon Bangthamai, deputy metropolitan police commander.

"We were all dancing and suddenly there was a big flame that came out of the front of the stage and everybody was running away," Oh Benjamas, a patron, told the British newspaper.

The victims died of burns from the fire, smoke inhalation and injuries sustained while trying to escape, officials said.

Most of the bodies were found in the club's basement, reports indicated. Police said the club had only one door for its entrance and exit.

Pelosi says Congress faces 'intense' start

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has warned colleagues to prepare for a strenuous schedule when Congress resumes in January.

"The opening days of the Congress will be intense," Pelosi said in an e-mail sent Tuesday. "Thanks to your leadership and the unity of the caucus, I know that we will be ready."

Congress officially returns to business on Tuesday after spending Monday deciding committee assignments for new members and for returning representatives wishing to upgrade their assignments, Politico reported Wednesday.

Congress also will start work next week on an economic stimulus package, with economists Mark Zandi, Robert Reich and Martin Feldstein scheduled to testify about the recovery plan before the Steering & Policy Committee, Politico reported.

Mexico sends 10 drug defendants to U.S.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ten major drug defendants were extradited from Mexico to the United States Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department said.

The defendants who arrived in Texas Wednesday are accused of being linked to some of the most notorious Mexican drug trafficking organizations, including the Gulf Cartel, the Arellano Felix Organization and the Sinaloa Cartel, the department said in a news release.

The defendants will face criminal proceedings in the Southern District of Texas, the Southern District of California, the Central District of California and the Northern District of Georgia.

"The courageous action of the Mexican government in extraditing these 10 defendants -- each of whom is accused of major drug offenses or other serious federal felonies -- shows the unrelenting commitment of Mexican President (Felipe) Calderon to break the power of the Mexican drug cartels," U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey said.

The extradition of nine Mexicans and one Colombian brings the total number of extraditions from Mexico to the United States to 95 for 2008, the department said.

DEA Acting Administrator Michele Leonhart said extradition was a powerful tool in battling drug cartels.

"The cartels fear not only the U.S. justice system, but the strength of our partnership with ... the Mexican government in this fight," Leonhart said.

Missing Canadian snowboarder found alive

NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A 21-year-old snowboarder survived three nights on a Canadian mountain before being found Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said searchers discovered James William Martin about 2:30 p.m. in an area of Mount Seymour known as Suicide Creek and used a basket dropped from a helicopter to airlift him out, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

"His overall condition is unknown at this time, but it was reported to us that he was coherent," RCMP Constable Marlene Morton said.

Martin, who is believed to have moved to the Vancouver from Orillia, Ontario, last year, had set out snowboarding Sunday. His car and some belongings were found in a parking lot on the mountain Tuesday.

His mother, Debbie Martin, said she had faith her son would be found alive. She said he used outdoor skills learned from a lifetime of ice-fishing and camping.

"God looked after him. He made him safe and kept him safe," Martin told CBC News from her Ontario home. "All the survival tips that his dad taught him came to use. ... He's a survivor."