Bangkok Pub Fire Kills 27, Dozens Injured as Authorities Probe Cause of Blaze
A devastating fire ripped through a pub in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, in the early hours of Monday, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens more. Officials warned that the death toll could rise, with several victims reported to be in critical condition.
The blaze broke out shortly after midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok, rapidly engulfing the venue and trapping patrons inside before firefighters managed to bring the flames under control.
22 Victims in Critical Condition
According to city officials, 63 people were injured, including 22 who remain in critical condition. Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals as rescue operations continued.
Videos shared by first responders showed flames shooting from the building’s entrance while thick black smoke filled the pub, forcing panicked customers to scramble for exits.
Smoke, Explosion Triggered Deadly Blaze
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site after the incident, said preliminary accounts suggest the fire may have started near the stage.
According to musicians performing at the venue, smoke was first seen rising from a circuit breaker before the electricity suddenly failed. Moments later, an explosion was heard, and flames spread rapidly across the pub.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the fire quickly ignited decorative materials attached to the ceiling, producing dense, toxic smoke that engulfed the building within minutes.
Many of those who died were found near the restrooms at the back of the venue, suggesting they were attempting to escape when they became trapped. Authorities said most victims died from smoke inhalation rather than burns.
Fire Contained After Half an Hour
Firefighters battled the blaze for around 30 minutes before bringing it under control. Images from the scene showed extensive destruction, with charred furniture, blackened walls and severe structural damage throughout the pub.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Thailand’s History of Deadly Venue Fires
The tragedy is among the deadliest entertainment venue fires in Thailand in recent years and has revived memories of previous disasters.
In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people and injured dozens. One of the country’s worst nightclub disasters occurred on New Year’s Day in 2009, when a blaze at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200 people. Investigators later concluded that the fire was likely triggered by an indoor fireworks display.
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