Bangkok fire latest: At least 27 killed in blaze at popular pub as officials say emergency exits were blocked – UK Times

A fire at a popular pub in Bangkok has killed 27 people in one of the deadliest such incidents in the tourism hub in recent years.

Another 63 people have been injured and are in critical condition.

Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight and was under control after around 30 minutes.

A musician performing at the pub that caught ablaze on Monday morning said he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out.

He told Thailand’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, that an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the pub had procured proper permits and had fire exits.

But later said the exits were blocked.

“There are two fire exits, one is near the kitchen. There were beer crates in the way,” he told reporters, adding that there was a table in the way of the other fire ‌exit, hindering evacuation.

“We need to wait for forensic investigators to examine the scene more ‌closely,” he added.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Thai officials said obstructed emergency exits hampered patrons’ attempts to escape the Bangkok pub fire that killed 27 people and injured 63 others.

Based on survivors’ accounts, investigators believe the fire started near the stage at the front of the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub before spreading rapidly, forcing many people to flee towards the back of the venue.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said one emergency exit near the kitchen was blocked by beer crates, while a table obstructed a second exit, hindering the evacuation.

“There are two fire exits, one is near the kitchen. There were beer crates in the way,” Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters, adding that there was a table in the way of the other fire ‌exit, hindering evacuation.

“We need to wait for forensic investigators to examine the scene more ‌closely,” he added.

Authorities said an initial assessment suggests the blaze was caused by an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit, although forensic investigators are continuing to examine the scene to determine the exact cause.

Authorities have confirmed the identities of 10 of the 27 people killed in the brewery fire near Lat Phrao Soi 1, as forensic teams continue working to identify the remaining victims.

The latest official toll stands at 27 dead, including nine men and 18 women, while 63 people were injured. Officials said the fire has now been fully brought under control.

The identified victims are Nahathai Satcharolet, Aphinan Pengsri, Pitsanu Taengsopa, Nipaporn Jamjaeng, Top Sarobl, Apinya Sukthongla, Phonepaseut Pounqppany, a Laotian national, Atcharaporn Suthisin, Suwitcha Sirililung and Kanoktip Srisuk.

Authorities said the identities of the remaining 17 victims are expected to be confirmed through forensic examinations.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced compensation for victims of the deadly nightclub fire, including a consolation payment of 29,700 baht (about £664) to the family of each person killed, according to Thai media outlet Thairath.

People injured in the fire and requiring hospital treatment will receive 4,000 baht, while other injured victims will be given 2,300 baht.

Those who were present at the venue but did not sustain any injuries will receive 2,000 baht in compensation.

A firefighter who was among the first responders to the Bangkok nightclub fire said the blaze quickly filled the venue with thick smoke, leaving patrons trapped inside as they desperately searched for a way out.

Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said he arrived with the first fire engine to find the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub on fire, with several people stranded inside and others trying to escape through the back of the building.

“The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”

He said the few people who managed to escape through the front entrance had suffered burns.

Body-camera footage showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with torches as they searched for survivors, according to Reuters.

An fire at a popular pub in Bangkok has killed 27 people in one of the deadliest such incidents in the tourism hub in recent years.

Another 63 people have been injured and are in critical condition.

Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight and was under control after around 30 minutes.

A musician performing at the pub that caught ablaze on Monday morning said he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out.

He told Thailand’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, that an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the pub had procured proper permits and had fire exits.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Body-camera footage from an emergency worker seen by Reuters shows firefighters in oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub with torches as they searched for survivors.

Several victims can be seen lying prone on the floor near the pub’s toilets while rescue workers carry in stretchers.

The video also shows what appears to be the fire-damaged main room of the venue, with bar tables and stools still visible.

At least 27 people have been killed and another 63 are injured.

A band member at the venue has told ‌local media that smoke suddenly filled the room after ⁠the lights briefly went out, and a massive explosion and fire followed.

“After the explosion I didn’t see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help,” he told reporters.

“I ran towards the door ​from the stage, about five metres. It was dark ‌and there was smoke, no oxygen.”