At least 27 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at a pub in Bangkok early Monday, officials said. The blaze engulfed the Na Ladprao pub in the northern part of the Thai capital before firefighters managed to bring it under control.
Videos shared online by first responders showed towering flames consuming the building as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Panic-stricken patrons were seen rushing to escape through the entrance as the fire spread rapidly. Rescue officials said the blaze was reported shortly after midnight.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site and confirmed that 27 people had lost their lives, while several injured victims were admitted to nearby hospitals. He said authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
According to Anutin, a musician performing at the venue told officials that smoke was first seen emerging from a circuit breaker near the stage before the electricity suddenly failed. Moments later, an explosion was heard and dense smoke quickly engulfed the pub.
Many of the victims were found inside the restrooms located at the rear of the establishment, the Prime Minister said.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 30 minutes before bringing it under control. Images from the scene showed extensive damage, with charred furniture and a gutted interior bearing testimony to the intensity of the fire.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over fire safety at entertainment venues in Thailand.
In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand claimed 14 lives. Earlier, on New Year’s Eve in 2009, a devastating blaze at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub killed 66 people and injured more than 200 after an indoor fireworks display allegedly ignited the fire.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into Monday’s incident.
