At least 27 people lost their lives and more than 60 were injured when a violent fire erupted at a popular bar and restaurant in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district early Monday morning.
Firefighters arrived shortly after midnight to find patrons scrambling for the front entrance as flames spread rapidly through the venue. Visual evidence shows a large fireball at the entrance while customers fled, with several individuals collapsing outside and two caught in the blaze during their escape.
The Prime Minister visited the scene and confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered. Dozens of wounded victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire. Early accounts indicate the victims were nine men and 18 women, with more than 60 people receiving medical care and several others listed as missing.
Officials noted that flammable interior decorations and obstructed exits may have accelerated the spread of the fire. The blaze was reportedly first spotted by a driver at approximately 11:30 p.m., who broke windows to aid rescue efforts.
Fire crews controlled the explosion within about 30 minutes, but the damage was extensive, leaving the building blackened by smoke, charred furniture, and collapsed ceilings.