A late-night fire ripped through a Bangkok pub, killing 27 people and injuring dozens more. Authorities suspect toxic smoke was the main cause of the high death toll as investigators probe the blaze….reports Asian Lite News Desk
At least 27 people were killed and dozens more injured after a fire tore through a pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late on Sunday, with Thai authorities launching an investigation into the cause of one of the city’s deadliest nightclub disasters in recent years.
The fire broke out at around 11:57 p.m. local time at a venue near Lat Phrao Road and was later brought under control by firefighters. Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene at around 1:44 a.m. on Monday and said that most of the victims had died from smoke inhalation, according to Xinhua news agency.
Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the blaze.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Monday that 22 of the 63 injured remained in critical condition.
Speaking to local media after inspecting the site, Chadchart said firefighters responded shortly after receiving the emergency call, but the fire had already spread rapidly throughout the premises by the time they arrived.
He said only six of the 27 victims had been formally identified, adding that the immediate priority was to contact the families of those who had died or been injured.
Local media reported that rescuers recovered several mobile phones from the scene, many of which continued to receive calls from relatives and friends. Rescue workers answered and documented the calls to help identify victims and notify their families.
Survivors told local media that they first noticed thick smoke emerging from a circuit breaker near the stage. According to their accounts, the power then failed, followed by an explosion, after which flames spread quickly across the venue.
Chadchart said a preliminary inspection found that the pub’s ceiling had been completely destroyed, while most plastic chairs remained largely intact. This suggested that rapidly spreading toxic smoke may have been a major factor behind the high number of deaths.
He added that many people may have become disoriented after the power outage and were unable to find the emergency exits in time.
Thai media reported that the venue was licensed as a restaurant with live music performances and had two emergency exits. Investigators are examining whether either of the exits was obstructed when the fire broke out.
According to local media reports, the 27 people killed included nine men and 18 women. Most of the bodies were found near the pub’s restrooms, where many victims are believed to have sought refuge as smoke and flames engulfed the building.
Authorities said the investigation into the incident is continuing.
