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Bangkok bar fire kills 27, dozens injured
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Disasters & Emergencies

Bangkok bar fire kills 27, dozens injured

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • At least 27 people died and dozens were injured in a major fire at a bar in Bangkok late Sunday.
  • The blaze spread rapidly, with smoke believed to be the primary cause of death, according to officials.
  • An investigation is underway, with authorities suspecting blocked emergency exits may have contributed to the high death toll.

A devastating fire ripped through a popular bar in Bangkok late Sunday, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens more. The blaze, which erupted at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar and restaurant, spread with terrifying speed, trapping patrons who were celebrating the weekend.

"The fire spread very quickly, licking the ceiling. Smoke is believed to be the main cause of death," said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. He confirmed that 27 people had died and 63 were hospitalized, with 22 in critical condition. Many victims were found near emergency exits, leading authorities to investigate whether these routes were obstructed.

The fire spread very quickly, licking the ceiling. Smoke is believed to be the main cause of death.

— Chadchart SittipuntBangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt speaking to reporters outside the bar.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames burst from the bar's entrance. A motorcycle taxi driver, Surin Jaiharn, recounted helping about five people escape with burns. "I felt so sad. I saw so many deaths and I don't know the fate of those I helped," he told AFP, describing how he used his clothing to douse flames on victims.

The entertainment venue, which featured live music, had a capacity for over 300 people and was equipped with four emergency exits, according to a social media post. The Royal Thai Police announced the fire was under control around 2 a.m. Monday, as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene.

I felt so sad. I saw so many deaths and I don't know the fate of those I helped.

— Surin JaiharnA motorcycle taxi driver who helped victims escape the fire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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