The death toll from the devastating fire at a popular music bar in Bangkok has climbed to 30, Thai authorities said on Tuesday, making it the deadliest fire in the Thai capital in nearly two decades.
According to Bangkok city officials, more than 70 people who were injured in the blaze remain admitted to hospitals. Of them, 24 are reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns that the number of fatalities could increase further.
The fire broke out late on Sunday night at Rong Beer Na Ladprao, a well-known music and entertainment venue in the northern part of Bangkok. The establishment, which describes itself as a brewery or beer hall, has the capacity to accommodate up to 600 patrons. However, authorities have not yet confirmed how many customers and staff members were inside the premises when the blaze erupted.
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Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and firefighters battled the flames for around 30 minutes before bringing the fire under control. Thick smoke and the rapid spread of the fire made rescue operations extremely challenging.
Police said many of those who lost their lives were found trapped inside windowless bathrooms, where they are believed to have taken shelter while trying to escape the flames. Investigators are examining whether the victims were overcome by smoke before they could find a way out.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire and are also scrutinising whether the venue complied with mandatory fire safety regulations, including the availability of emergency exits, fire prevention systems and evacuation measures.
The tragedy has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety standards at entertainment venues in Thailand, as officials continue their probe into one of Bangkok's worst fire disasters in the past 17 years.
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