A tragic fire at a Bangkok bar has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, according to Thailand’s prime minister. The incident, which unfolded after midnight on Monday, left the venue in ruins and resulted in more than 60 individuals being transported to local hospitals for treatment. Local reports from the outlet Thairath indicate that several people remain missing in the aftermath of the disaster.
Emergency services were alerted to the scene after a passing driver reportedly spotted the venue on fire at 23:30 local time on Sunday. This witness told the Daily News that he jumped from his vehicle and shattered windows in an attempt to help trapped patrons escape. Firefighters arrived shortly after midnight and managed to bring the blaze under control within approximately 30 minutes, but the damage was already extensive.
Video footage shared on X captured the harrowing moments as the fire erupted from the front door, showing patrons fleeing the scene while some appeared to be engulfed in flames. Inside the premises, the aftermath revealed blackened walls, ceilings, and furniture, with parts of the ceiling structure peeling away. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site, stated that the 27 fatalities included nine men and 18 women.
The prime minister also relayed information from a musician who had been performing when the fire broke out. According to the musician, the trouble began with a fire at a cut-out switch, causing the situation to escalate rapidly with a sudden blast. Many victims were unable to escape the smoke and flames, with the prime minister noting that most of the bodies were discovered in the venue’s toilets, where people had attempted to hide for safety. Investigations into the exact cause of the fire remain ongoing.
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.
