There was no other choice for the guards than to allow the guests to leave after the building was set aflame. I attempted to follow them, hoping to escape, but the police showed up and began questioning staff. Instead, I backed in around the back and took a stairwell to the top.

Meanwhile, someone called rescue, and the rescuer responded quickly to the banquet hall. Firefighters raced inside while the crowd of confused and fearful guests watched. From where I was, on the upper ...