Devastating Fire at Bangkok Pub Kills At Least 27 People

The Disaster Unfolds

A huge fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok early Monday morning, killing at least 27 people before firefighters brought the blaze under control. Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight, and firefighters took about half an hour to bring the fire under control.

At least 27 people have been killed and 63 people were injured as a result of a fire that engulfed a pub in Bangkok. Footage shared online by first responders shows a huge blaze raging and plumes coming out of the front door of the Na Ladprao pub in the northern part of the Thai capital, with people seen trying to flee as thick black smoke billows into the sky.

Cause and Witness Accounts

A musician who was performing at the pub told authorities that he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out, then an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Many of victims were found at the restrooms, at the back of the pub, where they apparently became trapped seeking shelter. Photos of the aftermath show charred tables and chairs, and the damaged interior of the pub.

Historical Context

In 2022, 14 people were killed by a fire at a music pub in the eastern part of the country. And more than a decade before that, 66 people were killed and more than 200 injured in a fire during a Jan. 1, 2009 New Year's Eve celebration at the Santika nightclub in Thailand's capital.

Response

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said "Twenty-seven bodies were moved out, lifeless bodies," and noted that some were sent to hospitals for care. The incident marks one of Thailand's deadliest fires in recent years and has renewed concerns about safety standards in public venues.