A tragic fire at a pub near Lat Phrao Road in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has resulted in the death of 27 individuals and left many others injured. The fire, which started around 11:57 p.m. local time, was swiftly extinguished, with the injured promptly taken to hospitals for medical care.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site at approximately 1:44 a.m. on Monday and stated that most of the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation. Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt revealed that out of the 63 individuals injured in the incident, 22 remain in critical condition. He mentioned that firefighters responded promptly to the emergency call, but the fire had already spread rapidly within the pub upon their arrival. Identification of the victims is still in progress, with efforts focused on notifying their families.
Rescuers discovered several mobile phones at the scene, some of which were still receiving calls from loved ones. Survivors recounted that the fire originated near a circuit breaker close to the stage, leading to a power outage, explosion, and rapid spread of flames. Initial assessments suggest that toxic smoke played a significant role in the fatalities, possibly disorienting victims who struggled to locate emergency exits.
Reports indicate that the venue, licensed as a restaurant with live music performances, had two emergency exits. Authorities are investigating whether these exits were obstructed during the fire. The victims, including nine men and 18 women, were predominantly found near the pub’s restrooms.
