A devastating fire tore through a popular bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district early Monday, killing 27 people and hospitalising 63 others in one of Thailand’s deadliest such incidents in recent years.
The blaze at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao broke out just after midnight on 13 JULY, with firefighters arriving to find patrons fleeing through a flame-enveloped front door. Some were visibly on fire as they ran screaming into the street, footage posted on social media showed.
According to Bangkok Post, the fire started at a circuit breaker on the stage, followed by a blackout and an explosion. A band member performing at the venue told local media that smoke suddenly filled the room after the lights went out.
“After the explosion I didn’t see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help,” the musician told reporters, his head still bandaged. “I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark and there was smoke, no oxygen.”
The dead comprised nine men and 18 women, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Of the 63 injured, 22 were in critical condition. A number of people remained missing, Thai outlet Thairath reported.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters that flames spread rapidly through decorations on the ceiling, and toxic smoke from burning decorative materials was likely the main cause of death.
“There are initial, heartbreaking reports that tables selling candy and other merchandise have been set up and obstructing the fire exits,” Chadchart told the Daily News, though he added that a thorough investigation by forensic officers was needed.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, said most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation. He quoted musicians as saying the fire began at a cut-out switch, after which “things happened very quickly.”
“Many of them were not able to make their way out because they went to the back of the building and tried to hide themselves from the smoke and flames in the toilet, and that’s where we found most of the bodies,” Anutin told reporters.
According to CNA, Laotian tourist Kan Kutirat was drinking alone at the bar around 10pm when he noticed smoke rising near the stage. He helped carry a woman out but wrote on Facebook afterwards: “I could only get one person out. I tried my best. I’m sorry.”
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, who arrived on the first truck, said the smoke had engulfed the entire venue. “The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100 per cent of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said. “Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”
A passing driver who saw the venue on fire at about 11:30pm leapt from his car and broke windows to help two people escape, the Daily News reported.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about half an hour. Body-camera footage from an emergency worker showed firefighters in oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with torches, searching for survivors. Several victims were found lying near the toilets.
The bar, located near Soi Lat Phrao 1 Road, is a popular restaurant and entertainment venue in the area. Chadchart said the establishment had proper permits and fire exits, and officials had inspected it in April. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
