BANGKOK (AP) — A devastating fire swept through the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in Bangkok, killing at least 27 people and leaving 25 others hospitalized in critical condition. This incident marks the most deadly blaze in Thailand's capital in 17 years, shocking both locals and authorities alike.
The fire erupted shortly before midnight on a Sunday, as visuals from the scene depicted chaotic scenes of patrons fleeing the single-story bar with flames engulfing the building and dense black smoke rising into the night sky. In photographs from the aftermath, scattered shoes indicated the panic as individuals attempted to escape the inferno.
Bangkok city officials reported that it took approximately 30 minutes for firefighters to control the blaze. By Monday morning, forensic teams were combing through the charred remnants for potential causes. The street-facing windows of the bar were blown out, revealing the interior's devastation through shattered glass. Tables, some still holding empty beer bottles, were burnt, and scattered debris included destroyed electronics and musical instruments.
Thai national police chief Kittharath Punpetch revealed that many of the deceased were discovered trapped in windowless bathrooms, suggesting that they may have sought refuge from the flames. An obstruction near one of the exits, possibly due to a candy sales table, and inadequate visibility due to smoke might have hindered the patrons' attempts to escape. Another exit near the kitchen may have been blocked by shelving units and lockers. Kittharath indicated that there were signs some exit doors could have been locked, complicating rescue efforts.
The investigation is concentrating on the ceiling above the performance stage, where materials possibly used for decoration were found. Authorities are examining whether flammable materials were employed in the bar's interior and the state of the electrical wiring that ran through the ceiling. Notably, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul mentioned that a musician performing at the bar had reported seeing smoke emerging from a circuit breaker before an explosion occurred, leading to a rapid build-up of thick smoke in the venue.
According to the Erawan emergency services center in Bangkok, the number of injured rose to 73. Most deaths from the fire were attributed to smoke inhalation, and identification efforts for the victims continue, as many did not possess identification at the time of the incident. In the wake of the tragedy, some Buddhist monks visited the site to offer prayers for the victims, while nurses handed out face masks to those unaware of lingering fumes from the charred building.
A registration area has been established for family members searching for loved ones, reflecting the urgency and devastation that has enveloped the community. Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai, who was performing nearby, rushed to the scene upon hearing about the fire, concerned for her bandmates who were performing inside the bar. Tragically, she reported that one of them died, three were hospitalized, and one remains unaccounted for.
Witness accounts reveal the chaos that ensued when the fire broke out; the sudden darkness and overpowering smoke left patrons disoriented and struggling to find their way. In comparison to past incidents, the fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar has reignited discussions about safety regulations in entertainment venues. In 2022, a fire at another music bar in eastern Thailand resulted in 14 fatalities. Looking back further, a 2009 New Year’s Eve celebration at a nightclub in Bangkok claimed 66 lives, demonstrating a troubling pattern of fire-related tragedies in the entertainment sector.
