Bangkok pub fire kills 27, leaves 22 critically injured

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The fire is one of the deadliest such incidents in Thailand's tourism hub in recent years

BANGKOK, Thailand – An explosive fire at a popular pub in Thailand’s capital Bangkok killed 27 people and left another 22 in critical condition, officials said on Monday, July 13, in one of the deadliest such incidents in the tourism hub in recent years.

“We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital,” Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said after visiting the site of the fire, which broke out at 11:57 pm (0457 GMT) on Sunday, July 12.

Based on survivor accounts, Anutin said the pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district quickly filled with smoke after the fire broke out, forcing many patrons to run to the back of the venue near the bathrooms, where there were no fire escapes.

Another 63 people injured in the incident were hospitalized, said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

“The number of deaths has stabilized at 27,” he told Reuters.

Of those injured and hospitalized, 22 were in critical condition, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters.

By the time rescue workers arrived, the fire, which witnesses said started at the front of the venue’s stage, had already burned through the area, Suriyachai said.

“We have to wait for the police to investigate,” he added.

The smoke was everywhere

Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, 45, said he arrived on the first fire truck to find the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub engulfed in flames, with many patrons trapped inside and several trying to escape through the back of the venue. Those who exited through the front suffered burns.

“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.”

Body-camera footage from an emergency worker reviewed by Reuters showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks moving through the darkened remains of the pub with flashlights as they searched for survivors.

Several victims could be seen lying on the floor near the pub’s toilets while rescue workers carried in stretchers.

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

Chadchart said the pub had obtained proper permits and had fire exits, but the blaze spread rapidly and smoke filled the room, potentially making it difficult for patrons to escape.

In the early hours of Monday, emergency personnel remained at the scene as bodies were prepared for transport and forensic teams collected evidence to help identify victims.

Numbered bodies lay in two rows awaiting removal, surrounded by a large number of rescue workers. Firefighters stood near the pub’s entrance, its facade scorched and blackened by the blaze.

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

“After the explosion I didn’t see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help,” the band member told reporters, his head still bandaged, without giving his name.

“I ran towards the door from the stage, about five meters. It was dark and there was smoke, no oxygen.” – Rappler.com