BANGKOK, Thailand — At least 27 people have died, and eight others remain in critical condition after a massive fire tore through a bar in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, late Sunday night.
The blaze broke out near the stage of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a popular entertainment venue in the Chatuchak district, before spreading rapidly throughout the premises, trapping dozens of patrons inside.
Eyewitnesses said the fire caused a power outage and quickly filled the bar with thick smoke, triggering panic as customers scrambled for safety.
Videos shared on social media showed terrified patrons fleeing through the main entrance, with some escaping while their clothes were on fire.
Victims Found in Bathroom
Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after midnight and managed to bring the blaze under control within about 30 minutes.
Most of the victims were found inside a bathroom, where they had apparently sought shelter from the flames and smoke.
Authorities said nine men and 18 women were among those killed, while more than 60 people were taken to hospital for treatment.
According to Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department, most of the victims are believed to have died from smoke inhalation.
Electrical Fault Suspected
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioning unit, although authorities have not confirmed the official cause.
Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt said flammable decorative materials on the ceiling may have accelerated the spread of the fire.
He also noted reports that several people were found unconscious near an emergency exit, raising concerns that escape routes may have been obstructed.
Authorities said forensic investigators would determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
Prime Minister Visits Scene
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene on Monday morning and spoke with a musician who had been performing when the fire erupted.
According to the Prime Minister, the performer said patrons heard what sounded like an explosion before smoke and flames rapidly engulfed the venue.
Many customers reportedly fled toward the rear of the building and hid in the toilets, where several were later found dead.
Witnesses Describe Horror
A motorcyclist, Surin Jaiharn, told AFP he helped rescue about five people by using clothing to extinguish flames on their bodies.
“I feel depressed. I saw many deaths, and I do not know the fate of the people I helped,” he said.
The passing motorist who alerted firefighters also told local media he broke windows to rescue two trapped patrons.
By Monday morning, the bar had been sealed off as investigators examined the scene, with body bags lined outside the building and extensive fire damage visible inside.
Thailand’s History of Deadly Fires
The tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly fires in Thailand that have raised concerns over building safety and enforcement of fire regulations.
In 2022, a nightclub fire south of Bangkok killed 22 people, while the 2009 Santika Club fire in Bangkok claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200 revellers celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Authorities have promised a comprehensive investigation into Sunday’s disaster.