Bangkok: A blaze at a busy pub in Bangkok has claimed 27 lives and left 22 people critically injured, officials said on Monday, making it one of the deadliest such incidents in the Thai capital in recent years, Reuters reported.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene in the early hours, told reporters survivors had described the venue rapidly filling with smoke after a fire erupted, driving many patrons toward the rear near the restrooms. “We have recovered 27 bodies; others are being sent to hospital,” Anutin said.
Many Hospitalised, Some Critical
Suriyachai Rawiwan, a Bangkok metropolitan administration official, reported that 63 people were taken to hospital with injuries. By the time rescuers reached the pub, witnesses said the fire — which appeared to start at the front of the stage area — had already swept through that section of the venue, Suriyachai added. “We have to wait for the police to investigate,” he said.
By the time the rescue workers arrived at the scene, the fire, which witnesses said ignited at the front of the venue’s stage, had already burned through the area, Suriyachai said.
Smoke Overcame Patrons
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters that although the pub had proper permits and fire exits, smoke spread quickly and may have prevented people from escaping. Fir
efighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, who arrived on the first fire truck, described scenes of patrons trapped inside and many choking from smoke. “The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”
Body-camera footage reviewed by Reuters shows firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the darkened, damaged interior with torches as they searched for survivors. The video shows several victims lying prone near the venue’s toilets while emergency workers carry stretchers, and the fire-ravaged main room with bar tables and stools still visible.
Band Member Recounts Explosion
A band member at the venue, who was treated for a head wound and spoke without giving his name, said the room suddenly filled with smoke after the lights briefly went out, followed by a large blast and fire. “After the explosion I didn’t see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help,” he told reporters. “I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark, and there was smoke, no oxygen.”
Popular Venue, Consular Checks
The pub, Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in Chatuchak in Bangkok’s north, is known as a restaurant and live-music venue, Thai outlet Daily News and the venue’s Facebook page say.
An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said officials were urgently liaising with Thai authorities to confirm whether any Australians were affected and added: “We stand ready to provide consular assistance,” they said. “Australians will be shocked to hear of the terrible loss of life in the restaurant fire in Bangkok. Our sincere condolences are with all those affected.”
Forensic Teams At Scene
In the early hours, emergency workers remained at the site preparing bodies for transport while forensic teams collected evidence to help identify victims, officials said.