A catastrophic fire tore through the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok early Monday morning, resulting in at least 27 deaths and leaving dozens of others injured. Emergency responders were alerted to the blaze around midnight, and footage from the scene captured thick black smoke billowing into the night sky as patrons attempted to escape the inferno.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the death toll after arriving at the site, noting that many victims were discovered in the restrooms located at the back of the establishment. While the investigation into the cause is ongoing, Anutin relayed an account from a musician who was performing at the venue. The performer reported seeing smoke emanating from a circuit breaker near the stage just before the power failed, followed by an explosion and the rapid spread of dense smoke.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that 63 individuals were transported to hospitals, with 22 of them currently in critical condition. Authorities are facing challenges in identifying victims, as many were either unconscious or not carrying identification. Firefighters successfully brought the flames under control within approximately 30 minutes, leaving behind a scene of charred furniture and extensive interior damage. A registration desk has been established at the site to assist families seeking information about their loved ones.
The impact of the tragedy reached the local music community, with singer Sukanya Wongwongwai rushing to the scene to check on her bandmates who were playing at the pub that night. She confirmed that one of her bandmates died, three were hospitalized, and another remains missing. She recounted testimony from survivors who described a scene of total darkness and blinding smoke that made it impossible to locate others after the power cut out.
This incident adds to a history of similar deadly fires in Thailand. In 2022, a pub fire in the eastern part of the country claimed 14 lives. Additionally, on January 1, 2009, a fire at the Santika nightclub in Bangkok killed 66 people and injured over 200 others, an event that was reportedly triggered by an indoor fireworks display.
Firefighters took about half an hour to bring the fire under control. Photos of the aftermath show charred tables and chairs, and the damaged interior of the pub.
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