Dozens Killed In Bangkok Bar Blaze

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

BANGKOK (Worthy News) -At least 27 people have been killed in a fire that tore through a bar in Bangkok, one of the world’s nightlife centers, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.

Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after midnight Monday local time and found terrified patrons fleeing through the venue’s flame-enveloped entrance as thick black smoke engulfed the building. Officials said the blaze was brought under control within about 30 minutes.

Footage obtained by Worthy News showed flames blasting out of the bar as people ran out, some screaming. Other footage that Worthy News decided not to publish showed at least two people on fire.

Prime Minister Anutin, who visited the scene, told reporters that 27 people had died and dozens of others had been taken to hospital. “We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital,” he said, adding that “the cause is under investigation.”

VICTIMS TRAPPED

Describing what investigators have learned so far, Anutin said a musician performing at the venue noticed smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage before the lights went out. Moments later, an explosion was heard and thick smoke rapidly filled the bar. Authorities stressed they have not determined whether an electrical fault caused the blaze.

Officials said many of the victims were found near the rear restrooms, suggesting they became trapped while trying to escape. At least 63 people were injured, several of them critically.

Emergency workers continued searching the heavily damaged building while forensic investigators examined the scene, including the venue’s emergency exits, to determine what caused one of Thailand’s deadliest entertainment venue fires in recent years.

Authorities had not yet released the identities of several victims as officials worked to notify relatives.

FIRE SAFETY QUESTIONS

The tragedy is expected to renew scrutiny of fire safety standards at Thailand’s entertainment venues. While the country welcomes millions of visitors each year and most bars and nightclubs operate without incident, previous deadly fires have raised concerns about emergency exits, overcrowding, and enforcement of safety regulations.

Thailand has suffered similar tragedies before. A fire at a music pub in Chonburi province in 2022 killed 14 people, while the Santika nightclub fire in Bangkok on New Year’s Day 2009 claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200 others, prompting tighter fire safety regulations.

Investigators were expected to continue interviewing survivors and witnesses while examining the devastated venue for clues into what caused one of the country’s worst nightlife disasters in recent years.

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