A late-night fire ripped through a bar in Bangkok on Sunday, leaving at least 27 people dead and scores of others injured in one of the Thai capital's deadliest recent blazes.
Witnesses saw patrons scrambling for safety as flames consumed the entrance to the establishment while thick smoke rapidly spread throughout the building.
The fire erupted at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok around midnight, rescue workers said. Fire crews spent about 30 minutes battling the blaze before bringing it under control.
Addressing reporters outside the venue, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the fire moved swiftly through the building.
"The fire spread very quickly, reaching up to the ceiling. Smoke was likely the main cause of death," Sittipunt told reporters.
He said the death toll had reached 27, while 63 people were transported to hospitals. Of those, 22 remained in critical condition. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Investigators discovered several victims near a fire exit and believe the escape route may have been obstructed.
"We do not know how many people were inside but it was likely many," Chadchart added.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site, said the cause of the blaze has not yet been established.
According to Anutin, a musician performing at the venue told him smoke was seen rising from a circuit breaker near the stage shortly before the electricity went out. An explosion followed moments later, after which thick smoke rapidly engulfed the pub.
Anutin also said many of the victims were found in restrooms at the rear of the venue.
Videos circulated online by first responders captured flames engulfing the pub as heavy smoke billowed from the entrance. People were seen attempting to flee while dense black smoke climbed into the night sky.
Photographs taken after firefighters extinguished the blaze revealed severe destruction inside the establishment, with charred interiors and burnt furniture throughout the premises.
Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai said she had been performing nearby when news of the fire reached her, prompting her to rush to the pub because several members of her band were playing there.
She said one of her bandmates died in the fire, three others were admitted to hospital, and another person is still missing.
"From what I heard from people who were inside, when the fire started everything went dark. The power was out and there was smoke everywhere, so they couldn't locate other people," she said.
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy as investigators seek to establish the exact cause of the fire and determine whether any safety violations played a role in the high number of fatalities.
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