At least 27 people were killed and dozens were injured after a fire swept through a popular Bangkok restaurant and entertainment venue shortly before midnight on Sunday.
The Bangkok bar fire broke out at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, near Lat Phrao Soi 1 in Chatuchak district. Firefighters brought the flames under control within about 30 minutes, but emergency crews found 27 bodies inside the building. The dead were initially identified as nine men and 18 women.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 18 injured people were receiving hospital treatment, including about eight who were seriously hurt with burns. Earlier emergency reports said as many as 63 people had been injured or treated following the blaze.
Several people remained unaccounted for early Monday, although authorities had not confirmed an exact number by 5am. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and police opened a coordination centre for relatives and friends seeking information about people believed to have been at the venue.
Officials said the victims had not yet been formally identified, and their names would be released after examinations by doctors and forensic officers.
Bangkok bar fire investigation focuses on exits
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and said a musician performing at the venue reported seeing smoke near an electrical switchboard before the power failed and the fire spread rapidly.
Many customers moved towards the rear of the building to escape the flames and smoke. A number of bodies were later found near the toilets, while others were discovered close to an exit on the left side of the venue.
Chadchart said investigators were examining whether tables, decorations or other objects had obstructed evacuation routes. Initial inspections found two possible exits, including one near the kitchen that was mainly used by employees.
Officials are also checking the venue’s licences, construction records, emergency signs and compliance with fire-safety regulations.
The governor said flames appeared to have spread quickly through ceiling and decorative materials. Investigators will examine whether toxic smoke contributed to the high number of deaths.
The venue’s owner was injured and remained in hospital. Police and forensic officers were continuing to gather evidence to determine the cause of the fire and whether any safety failures contributed to the loss of life.
Main image: AP
