Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27

Scores injured, many in serious condition

At least 27 people were killed and 63 others were injured by a massive fire at a pub in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, late Sunday night.

The tragedy began at Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall on Lat Phrao Road near Soi Lat Phrao 1 Road at 11.57pm on Sunday, when many customers were inside. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about half an hour, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

The fire killed 27 people and injured 63 others. The dead victims comprised nine men and 18 women. Of the 63 injured, 22 were in serious condition. The injured were taken to 16 hospitals.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt and DDPM director-general Teerapat Kachamat were among senior officials at the scene.

Mr Anutin, also the interior minister, said most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation. He quoted musicians at the pub as saying that the fire started at a circuit breaker on the stage,  followed by a blackout and an explosion.

Video: Reuters

Mr Chadchart said that flames spread rapidly through decorations on the ceiling and toxic smoke from the burning plastic was inhaled by victims.

He said pub was licensed, operated in a single-storey concrete building and musical performances were allowed inside. It had passed inspection in April.

The Bangkok governor quoted waiters as saying there were about 300 customers inside when the fire broke out. Normally, the pub attracted 600 to 700 people each night.

According to the governor, the fire spread through the ceiling towards the front entrance. That prompted customers to rush to the back of the premises where there were fire exits. Some customers became confused in the smoke and rushed into the toilets instead. Many victims had passed out in the toilets and also in front of the fire exits, blocking the escape route for other fleeing customers.

Suriyachai Rawiwan, disaster prevention and mitigation director of Bangkok, said there were fire exits at the rear of the venue and victims apparently mistakenly entered the toilets, where rescuers had difficulty reaching them.

Initially six bodies, three men and three women, were identified. They were Apinan Pengsri, Pisanu Taengsopha, Suwitcha Sirisalung, Nipaporn Jaemjaeng, Acharaporn Sutthisin and Kanoktip Srisuk.

The identification of the victims was continuing.

A person is seen escaping the fire. (Supplied photo)

Bodies of victims at the fire scene. (Supplied photo)

Photo: Chatuchak district office

Photo: Chatuchak district office

Photo: Chatuchak district office

The pub was cordoned off Monday morning. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

Shoes were left near the exit of the pub on Monday morning. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

A footprint remains outside the pub on Monday morning. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill