Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27, several injured

At least 27 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok in the early hours of Monday, Thai officials said.

The blaze broke out around midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok. Videos shared by first responders showed flames engulfing the building as thick black smoke poured from the entrance, with patrons scrambling to escape.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, said 27 people lost their lives and several of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

According to Anutin, a musician performing at the venue reported seeing smoke coming from an electrical circuit breaker near the stage before the power failed. Moments later, an explosion was heard and dense smoke rapidly filled the pub.

Many victims were found trapped in the restrooms at the rear of the building, the prime minister said.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. Images from the scene showed the pub’s interior severely damaged, with burnt furniture and extensive fire destruction.

The tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly nightclub fires in Thailand. In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people, while the 2009 Santika nightclub fire in Bangkok claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200 after an indoor fireworks display sparked a massive blaze.