At least 27 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at a pub in Bangkok, Thailand, early Monday. The fire spread within minutes, trapping many people inside the building.
According to the Associated Press, the fire started shortly after midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok. Emergency teams and firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blaze.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were injured in the fire and 22 of them were in critical condition.
Videos shared by rescue workers showed huge flames coming out of the pub’s entrance. People could be seen rushing to escape as thick black smoke quickly filled the building.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site and confirmed that at least 27 people had died. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Fire May Have Started Near Stage
According to the Prime Minister, the fire is believed to have started near the stage. Musicians performing at the pub reportedly noticed smoke coming from a circuit breaker.
Soon after, the electricity went out and an explosion was heard. Flames then spread rapidly across the venue.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said decorative materials on the ceiling quickly caught fire. Dense and toxic smoke filled the building within minutes, making it difficult for people to escape.
Most Victims Died Due to Smoke Inhalation
The Prime Minister said many victims were found near the restrooms at the back of the building. They may have been trying to escape the fire and thick smoke.
According to him, most of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation rather than burns.
Firefighters took around 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Images from the scene showed burnt furniture, blackened walls and heavy damage inside the pub.
Authorities have started an investigation to find the exact cause of the fire.
The incident is one of Thailand’s deadliest entertainment venue fires in recent years. In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people and injured dozens.
In 2009, a fire at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub on New Year’s Day killed 66 people and injured more than 200. Investigators later said the fire was believed to have started due to an indoor fireworks display.
