DistantNews
Support us
At least 27 dead after massive fire engulfs Bangkok beer hall
🇺🇸 United States /Disasters & Emergencies

At least 27 dead after massive fire engulfs Bangkok beer hall

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • A fire at the Na Ladprao beer hall in Bangkok killed at least 27 people and injured dozens.
  • The blaze broke out late Sunday night, with firefighters taking about 30 minutes to control it.
  • Investigators are examining potential causes, including ceiling materials and obstructed emergency exits, while a musician reported hearing an explosion before the fire spread rapidly.

A devastating fire ripped through the Na Ladprao beer hall in northern Bangkok overnight, claiming the lives of at least 27 people and leaving dozens more injured. Firefighters battled the blaze, which erupted shortly before midnight Sunday, for approximately 30 minutes before bringing it under control.

investigators would examine the ceiling materials and whether any emergency exits may have been obstructed, potentially making it more difficult for people to evacuate.

— Chadchart SittipuntDescribing the focus of the fire investigation.

Footage shared online depicted intense flames and thick black smoke billowing from the building as patrons attempted to escape. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt indicated that investigators would scrutinize the ceiling materials and explore whether emergency exits were blocked, which could have hindered evacuation efforts.

From what I heard from people who were inside, when the fire started everything went dark. The power was out and there was smoke everywhere, so they couldn't locate othe

— Sukanya WongwongwaiRecounting the experience of those inside the bar during the fire.

A musician performing at the bar reported seeing smoke emanating from a circuit breaker near the stage before the power cut out, followed by an explosion. He stated that thick smoke quickly engulfed the venue. Many victims were discovered in the restrooms located at the back of the bar, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

27 people died.

— Anutin CharnvirakulConfirming the death toll at the scene.

Forensic officers meticulously examined the burned-out structure on Monday morning. The building's front windows were shattered, and debris, including charred electronics and a musical instrument, littered the sidewalk. Inside, burned tables, some still holding empty beer bottles, offered a grim testament to the scene. Buddhist monks visited the site to offer prayers for the victims, while medical personnel distributed face masks to those nearby to mitigate the effects of smoke and lingering fumes.

a musician who was performing at the bar told him that he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out, then an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.

— Anutin CharnvirakulRelaying a witness account of the fire's origin.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by PBS NewsHour in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog