Bangkok: A devastating fire at a popular nightlife venue in Bangkok claimed at least 27 lives and left several others injured in the early hours of Monday, prompting Thai authorities to launch an extensive investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok. Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames spread rapidly through the building, forcing patrons to rush for exits while thick smoke engulfed the premises.
Emergency responders reached the location within minutes and battled the blaze for nearly half an hour before bringing it under control. Rescue teams later recovered dozens of victims from inside the damaged building, with many reportedly found in restroom areas toward the rear of the establishment.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site after the incident, confirmed the death toll and said several injured people had been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of those hurt.
Preliminary accounts from people present at the venue indicate that smoke was first noticed near an electrical panel close to the performance stage. According to investigators, power supply to the building reportedly failed moments before an explosion was heard, after which the fire spread rapidly through the crowded premises.
Officials have begun examining electrical systems, safety measures and emergency exits as part of the investigation. Forensic teams are also working to determine whether any violations of fire safety regulations contributed to the high number of casualties.
Images from the aftermath showed extensive destruction inside the pub, with furniture reduced to ashes and large sections of the interior blackened by intense heat.
The latest tragedy has revived concerns over fire safety standards at entertainment venues in Thailand. The country has witnessed several major nightclub fires over the past two decades, including the 2009 Santika nightclub disaster in Bangkok that killed dozens of people and another fatal pub fire in eastern Thailand in 2022.
Authorities have assured that a detailed inquiry will establish the circumstances leading to the incident and determine accountability if negligence is found. Meanwhile, rescue workers continue to assist affected families as identification of the victims progresses.
