Bangkok Bar Fire Kills at Least 27 and Injures Dozens

Overview

• A fire broke out during a live performance at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar on Sunday night, and smoke that spread quickly through the venue left at least 27 people dead and 63 hospitalized, 22 of them in critical condition.
• Musicians and witnesses reported smoke emerging from a circuit breaker by the stage, followed by a power cut and an explosion that plunged the room into darkness and drove chaotic evacuations.
• Verified video and survivor testimony show patrons fleeing with clothing on fire and many trapped near exits, and authorities said several victims were found by an emergency exit, raising the prospect that escape routes were blocked.
• Emergency teams contained the blaze, hospitals treated dozens of wounded, investigators are collecting forensic evidence at the scene, and officials say they will pursue legal action if safety laws were violated.
• The fire has revived long-standing concerns about lax enforcement of safety rules in Thai bars and nightclubs, and authorities are examining the venue’s licence and past power-cut history as part of the probe.