At least 27 people were killed and more than 60 others injured after a devastating fire ripped through a popular bar and restaurant in Thailand’s capital Bangkok shortly after midnight on Monday, authorities said.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, said 27 bodies had been recovered while dozens of injured victims were being treated in hospitals. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Firefighters rushed to the venue, locally identified as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, shortly after midnight. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed flames bursting out of the front entrance as terrified patrons fled through thick smoke, with some appearing to catch fire while escaping.
According to local media reports, the victims include nine men and 18 women. Several people are still reported missing. Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Anutin said a musician performing at the venue told him the fire appeared to have started near an electrical cut-out switch before spreading rapidly, reports BBC.
“There was a fire at the cut-out switch, and after that things happened very quickly. There was blasting and everybody tried to flee from the smoke and flames,” the prime minister said. He added that many victims ran towards the rear of the building and sought refuge in toilets to escape the smoke. “Many of them were not able to make their way out because they went to the back of the building and tried to hide themselves from the smoke and flames in the toilet, and that’s where we found most of the bodies,” he said.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within about 30 minutes, but by then the damage had been extensive. Images from inside the venue showed charred walls, blackened ceilings and furniture destroyed by the intense heat, while dozens of body bags were lined up outside the building as emergency teams continued rescue operations. officials and eyewitnesses said highly flammable interior decorations may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Police and forensic experts have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of one of Bangkok’s deadliest fire tragedies in recent years.
