At least 27 individuals have died in a fire that swept through a bar in Bangkok, Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced. Firefighters responded to the incident just after midnight on Monday, finding patrons attempting to escape through the burning entrance.
Video footage captured flames engulfing the bar as people fled, some screaming and falling. Prime Minister Charnvirakul confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered from the scene, with additional individuals transported to hospitals. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Local reports indicate that the deceased comprised nine men and 18 women. More than 60 people are currently receiving hospital treatment, and a number of individuals are reported missing, according to Thai outlet Thairath.
Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister recounted a conversation with a musician performing at the venue when the fire began. The musician described the fire originating at a cut-out switch, leading to rapid escalation, explosions, and panic as people tried to escape the smoke and flames. Many were trapped in the rear of the building, including in toilets, where most of the bodies were discovered.
Images from inside the bar after the fire show extensive damage, with furniture, walls, and the ceiling blackened by the intense heat. Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt suggested that flammable interior decorations likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. He also noted initial reports indicating that merchandise tables may have obstructed fire exits, though he stressed the need for a thorough official investigation.
Firefighters reportedly brought the blaze under control within approximately 30 minutes. The incident was initially spotted by a passing driver who saw the venue on fire at 23:30 local time. This witness reportedly broke windows to help two people escape before emergency services arrived.
Confronting pictures taken after the fire had been brought under control show many body bags lined up outside the bar, and a large cordon around the area.
"There are initial, heartbreaking reports that tables selling candy and other merchandise have been set up and obstructing the fire exits," he told the Daily News.
