27 Killed, Dozens Injured in Bangkok Music Bar Fire

At least 27 people have died and 73 others sustained injuries after a devastating fire swept through a music bar in Bangkok, Thailand, late Sunday night.

The blaze broke out shortly before midnight at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern Bangkok, forcing terrified patrons to flee as flames engulfed the single-storey building and thick black smoke filled the air.

Bangkok city officials said firefighters brought the fire under control after about 30 minutes, while forensic investigators later sealed off the scene to determine the cause of the incident.

Thailand’s National Police Chief, Kittharath Punpetch, said most of the victims were found trapped inside windowless toilets near one of the rear exits, where they had apparently sought refuge from the flames.

According to him, some patrons may have been unable to reach the exit because of poor visibility, obstacles such as a confectionery table, or blocked escape routes. He also noted signs suggesting that some emergency exit doors may have been locked.

Investigators are examining the ceiling above the stage, where decorative materials and electrical wiring are believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Authorities will determine whether flammable materials were used and whether safety standards were breached.

Bangkok’s Erawan Emergency Medical Centre said 73 people were injured in the incident, with 25 in critical condition. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that most of the fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation.

The tragedy has revived memories of Thailand’s deadliest nightclub fire, which occurred on New Year’s Day in 2009 when 67 people were killed and more than 200 injured in a blaze at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the latest fire and possible violations of fire safety regulations.