An explosive fire tore through a packed pub in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, early Monday, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens more after blocked emergency exits trapped patrons trying to escape thick smoke and flames.
The blaze erupted around midnight at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in northern Bangkok, sending customers scrambling for safety as fire spread rapidly through the venue. Authorities said 63 people were injured, including 22 who remain in critical condition.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and confirmed the death toll.
“We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital,” he said.
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Emergency exits obstructed
Officials said preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit in a ceiling mounted air conditioning unit sparked the fire.
According to survivor accounts, flames first broke out near the front stage before quickly engulfing the venue, forcing many people to flee toward the rear where the kitchen and toilets were located.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said evacuation efforts were severely hampered because both emergency exits were partially blocked.
“There are two fire exits, one is near the kitchen. There were beer crates in the way,” Chadchart told reporters.
“There was a table in the way of the other fire exit, hindering evacuation.”
He said forensic investigators would determine the exact cause of the fire after examining the scene.
Fire spread rapidly
Video footage verified by Reuters showed thick black smoke pouring from the building before a massive burst of flames shot out through the entrance as panicked customers screamed and ran for safety.
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, one of the first responders, said smoke quickly filled the building, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
“The smoke was everywhere,” he said. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”
Emergency workers wearing breathing equipment searched the charred building room by room, using flashlights to locate victims and survivors.
Body camera footage reviewed by Reuters showed several victims lying near the pub’s toilets, suggesting many had tried to escape through the back of the building after the main entrance became engulfed in flames.
“We sent in a rescue and search squad and found that a lot of people were inside the toilet,” Chakrit said.
“Most of them were trying to escape to the back because they saw that the flame was at the front.”
Rescue operation continues
Throughout the early morning, rescue teams remained at the scene as bodies were prepared for transport and forensic specialists gathered evidence to identify victims.
The pub’s entrance was left blackened by the blaze while emergency personnel continued searching for anyone who might still be inside.
Outside the venue, relatives anxiously waited for news of missing loved ones.
Sukanya Wongwongwai said she was searching for a missing friend after hearing accounts from survivors.
“My friend, who was singing on stage, said at first they noticed the smell of something burning, then a little after they saw the ceiling was on fire,” she said.
She added that several people were injured by debris falling from the ceiling, which was reportedly made of foam soundproofing material.
Investigation underway
Authorities are investigating whether fire safety regulations were violated, including why emergency exits were obstructed and whether the venue complied with building and safety standards.
The Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub is located in a busy commercial district of northern Bangkok near shopping malls, cinemas, parks and the popular Chatuchak weekend market.
The tragedy is among Thailand’s deadliest entertainment venue fires in recent years and is expected to intensify scrutiny of fire safety enforcement in public venues across the country.
Future outlook
Investigators are expected to determine the exact cause of the fire in the coming days while authorities assess possible legal action over alleged safety violations. The incident is also likely to prompt nationwide inspections of pubs, clubs and other entertainment venues to ensure emergency exits remain accessible and fire safety measures meet regulations.
With information from Reuters.
