Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27 people, officials say
A fire at a pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district has resulted in 27 deaths and dozens of injuries. Authorities are investigating the incident, noting that the venue lacked adequate fire escapes, which contributed to the high casualty count.
Why it matters
This tragedy raises significant concerns regarding fire safety regulations and building code enforcement in high-density entertainment venues.
"We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital," said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site of the fire that broke out at 11:57 p.m. local time on Sunday.
Based on survivor accounts, he said the pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district rapidly filled with smoke after a fire broke out, forcing many to run to the back of the venue near the bathrooms, but there were no fire escapes.
Another 63 people injured in the incident have been 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.
The interior of the pub is seen on Monday. (Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters) Of those injured and hospitalized, 22 are in critical condition, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters.
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