BANGKOK, Thailand — A fire tore through a pub in Bangkok early Monday, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens more in one of Thailand’s deadliest nightclub disasters in recent years, authorities said.
The blaze broke out at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok shortly after midnight. Firefighters brought it under control in about 30 minutes, but not before it claimed dozens of lives and left scores of people hospitalized.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed that at least 27 people had died and said authorities were investigating what caused the fire.
Smoke and Explosion Trapped Patrons
Anutin said a musician performing at the venue told him smoke was first seen rising from a circuit breaker near the stage before the electricity failed.
According to the prime minister, an explosion followed, sending thick smoke rapidly through the pub and making escape difficult.
Many victims were found near restrooms at the rear of the building, where they had apparently sought refuge from the smoke and flames.
Videos shared online by first responders showed flames engulfing the entrance as thick black smoke billowed into the night sky while patrons scrambled to escape.
Dozens Hospitalized
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were taken to hospitals, with 22 listed in critical condition.
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Authorities were working to identify victims, many of whom were unconscious or were not carrying identification when they were rescued.
Officials also established a registration center outside the venue to help relatives searching for missing family members and friends.
Images taken after the fire was extinguished showed extensive damage, with charred tables and chairs and large sections of the pub’s interior destroyed.
Music Community Mourns Victims
Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai said she rushed to the pub after learning about the fire because several members of her band had been performing there.
She said one band member was killed, three others were hospitalized and another remained unaccounted for.
“From what I heard from people who were inside, when the fire started everything went dark. The power was out and there was smoke everywhere, so they couldn’t locate other people,” she said.
Latest in a Series of Deadly Venue Fires
Thailand has experienced several fatal nightclub and entertainment venue fires over the past two decades.
In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people.
The country’s deadliest nightclub fire occurred on New Year’s Day in 2009, when a blaze at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub killed 66 people and injured more than 200 others. Investigators concluded that fire was likely caused by an indoor fireworks display.
Authorities continued investigating the cause of Monday’s fire at the Na Ladprao pub.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: Thailand | Bangkok | Fire | Public Safety | Emergency Response | Nightclub Fire | Investigation | Asia
