Twenty-seven people were killed and dozens were injured in a massive fire at a pub in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The pub, named ‘Na Ladprao’, is located in a bustling area of northern Bangkok frequented by foreign tourists. Details regarding the deceased are not yet available. However, authorities have stated that most of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation and suffocation.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing people fleeing as flames engulfed the entrance and thick smoke rapidly spread throughout the building. Firefighters battled for approximately half an hour to bring the blaze under control.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt , while speaking to reporters at the spot , said that the fire spread rapidly through the premises and that most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site on Monday morning. He said, “We have recovered 27 bodies, and the others are being sent to the hospital.”
Suriyachai Raviwan, Director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, stated that 63 people were injured in the incident at the ‘Rong Beer Na Ladprao’ pub; 22 of them are in serious condition and have been hospitalized. The pub is located in a busy area connected to the urban rail system; it is adjacent to two shopping malls and within walking distance of cinemas, large parks, and the ‘Chatuchak Weekend Market,’ a popular spot among foreign tourists.
Disaster management officials stated that, according to the preliminary investigation, the fire was caused by a short circuit in a rooftop air-conditioning unit. Based on statements from survivors, officials believe the fire started near the stage area at the front of the pub and spread rapidly which forced many insiders to flee toward the rear of the premises, where the kitchen and restrooms are located.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters, “There are two escape routes (fire exits) there; one is near the kitchen. Beer crates were stacked along the path.” He added that a table was blocking the second fire exit, making it difficult for people to get out. He stated, “We have to wait for forensic investigators to thoroughly examine the scene.”
