Bangkok Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 30, 75 Injured
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The death toll from a fire that engulfed a Bangkok bar has risen to 30, with 75 others injured.
- The blaze occurred during a concert on Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar, trapping dozens of people.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and examining the establishment's operating license, as safety standards in Thai nightlife venues are often lax.
The death toll from a devastating fire at a Bangkok bar has climbed to 30, with 75 people injured, as authorities continue to investigate the deadly incident that occurred during a concert.
Families and friends on Tuesday collected the bodies of victims from the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar, located in the northern part of the Thai capital. The initial toll of 27 dead was revised upward to 30 on Tuesday morning, according to the Chatuchak district office. Of the 75 injured, 24 are in serious condition. Many were trapped by flames and smoke during the performance on Sunday night.
Forensic teams are sifting through the charred remains of the bar, seeking clues to the fire's origin and investigating whether any obstacles hindered escape routes. Witnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from a circuit breaker near the stage before a power outage, an explosion, and intense flames forced patrons to flee in the darkness.
An official from the Ministry of Interior stated that the establishment's operating license is under review, raising questions about its authorization to host concerts. Safety standards are frequently applied loosely in Thailand's nightlife venues. This incident echoes a tragic 2009 fire at a Bangkok nightclub that resulted in 67 deaths and over 200 injuries.
The initial toll was 27 dead, but it climbed to 30 this Tuesday morning.
Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.