27 Killed in Bangkok Pub Fire, Emergency Exit Allegedly Blocked

JAKARTA - At least 27 people were killed and 63 others were injured in a fire that hit a pub full of visitors in Bangkok's Chatuchak District just before midnight. A total of 22 victims were reported in critical condition.

Anadolu Agency, quoted on Monday, July 13, reported that most of the victims were suspected of dying from inhaling smoke.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul who came to the location said the incident began when smoke appeared from an electrical breaker panel near the stage. After that, the electricity went out and an explosion was heard.

"Most of the victims ran to the back, towards the toilet which had no way out. It is likely that they panicked due to the fire and smoke," Anutin told reporters.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the fire quickly spread to the ceiling. He also suspected that the smoke was the main cause of the many deaths.

Authorities suspect that one of the emergency exits was blocked. The director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Government, Suriyachai Rawiwan, said firefighters found tables and chairs blocking access inside the pub.

Police said the fire was brought under control about two hours after it started.

Thai PBS World said the cause of the fire was still under investigation.