A massive fire engulfed a music bar in Bangkok overnight, leaving 27 people dead and 25 critically injured. This tragic incident marks the most devastating blaze in the Thai capital in 17 years.
Bangkok city officials reported that the fire at Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar began shortly before midnight on Sunday. Firefighters managed to control the blaze within around 30 minutes. The bar, known for live music and claiming to accommodate up to 600 patrons, experienced significant devastation.
According to the Erawan emergency services center, 73 individuals were injured, with 25 critically wounded. As of Monday evening, the Bangkok city government reported 28 fatalities, a number slightly higher than previous reports.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that most deaths resulted from smoke inhalation. The scene was secured by Monday morning as forensic officers investigated the cause of the fire. Observations from Associated Press journalists revealed blown-out windows and debris scattered on the sidewalk, including burnt electronics and furniture.
Thai national police chief Kittharath Punpetch highlighted that many victims were found trapped in windowless bathrooms near a rear exit. This exit remained unused, possibly due to obstructions like a table selling candy. Limited lighting may have made locating the exit challenging. Additional obstacles included narrowed pathways near the kitchen.
Police investigations revealed locked exit doors as a potential hazard. Investigators are focusing on the performance stage ceiling materials for flammability and examining the installation of electrical wiring.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reported that a musician performing at the bar witnessed smoke emanating from a circuit breaker before a power outage and subsequent explosion. Video footage shared on social media showed individuals fleeing as flames engulfed the single-story building.
Buddhist monks arrived to offer prayers for the deceased, while nurses distributed face masks to nearby individuals to shield them from smoke and lingering fumes.
A designated area collected information from relatives seeking their loved ones at the scene. Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai, performing nearby, rushed to the site after hearing of the fire. She lost one bandmate, while three others are hospitalized and a missing member was later found.
The bar’s Facebook statement expressed apologies and condolences, confirming cooperation with investigators. It noted the owner suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized in intensive care.
Mourning families gathered at Bangkok’s Institute of Forensic Medicine to identify the deceased. A grieving mother identified her daughter and son-in-law, describing them as hardworking and decent individuals.
Keo Oudone Poungpany, 24, identified his younger brother, recounting the chaos and heat outside the bar when the fire erupted. Unable to go back inside, he expressed his desire to bring his brother’s body home to his family.
Previous tragedies include a 2022 fire at a music bar claiming 14 lives and a 2009 nightclub fire in Bangkok causing 67 fatalities and injuring over 200 people due to an indoor fireworks display.