Bangkok, Jul 13 (V7N) — At least 27 people were killed and more than 60 others injured after a devastating fire tore through a bar in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, late Monday night, according to the BBC.
The blaze broke out at a bar in the city's Chatuchak district shortly after midnight. Local media reported that the victims included 18 women and nine men, while several people remain missing.
Firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call. Witnesses said patrons desperately tried to flee as flames and thick smoke rapidly engulfed the premises.
Videos circulating on social media showed flames erupting from the front of the building, with frightened people running for safety. Several victims were seen suffering burn injuries.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after about 30 minutes, but by then 27 charred bodies had been recovered from inside the building.
A passerby who first spotted the fire alerted emergency services and reportedly rescued at least two people by breaking a window.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the death toll and said those injured had been admitted to nearby hospitals. He added that authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have started from an electrical fault before spreading rapidly throughout the venue. Officials said many patrons sought refuge in the building's restrooms while trying to escape the flames, and most of the victims were later found there.
Investigators are also examining whether highly flammable interior decorations accelerated the spread of the fire and whether emergency exits were partially obstructed by tables, potentially hampering evacuation efforts.
END/SMA/AJ
