Deadly Fire Ravages Bangkok Music Bar

3 weeks ago 0

A devastating fire swept through a music bar in Bangkok, resulting in at least 27 fatalities and leaving 25 individuals hospitalized in critical condition. This tragic incident marks the Thai capital’s deadliest fire in 17 years.

The fire broke out at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar late Sunday night. Located in the northern part of Bangkok, it took firefighters approximately half an hour to control the blaze. This venue, often described as a brewery or beer hall, featured live music and could hold up to 600 patrons. The exact number of guests present at the time remains unknown.

Casualties and Injuries

Bangkok’s Erawan emergency services reported 73 injuries, with 25 in critical condition. By Monday evening, city officials confirmed 28 deaths. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt mentioned that most fatalities were due to smoke inhalation. Investigators cordoned off the site by Monday morning, examining the damage for potential clues. The destruction was apparent, with the bar’s windows shattered and debris strewn across the area.

Details from the Scene

“The dead were trapped in bathrooms where they sought refuge.”

According to Thai national police chief Kittharath Punpetch, many victims were found in bathrooms near a blocked exit. A table selling candy may have obstructed the path, or the darkness might have hindered escape. Another potential exit was possibly blocked by shelving and lockers. Investigators will look into the bar’s construction and material use, particularly near the performance stage.

Accounts from Witnesses

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul relayed a musician’s account of seeing smoke from a circuit breaker near the stage, followed by an explosion and overwhelming smoke. Social media videos showed patrons fleeing the burning, smoke-filled building.

Support and Mourning

Buddhist monks offered prayers at the site on Monday. Nurses distributed face masks to mitigate smoke inhalation. A registration point was set up for relatives searching for loved ones. Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai, who performed nearby, lost bandmates to the fire. Her band later confirmed that all members had been accounted for.

The bar issued an apology on Facebook, pledging full cooperation with authorities. The owner, severely injured, remains in the intensive care unit.

Identifying the Victims

Families gathered at Bangkok’s Institute of Forensic Medicine to identify the deceased. A grieving woman, Nid, identified her daughter and son-in-law. Her daughter had recently begun a teaching career, while her son-in-law was noted for his hard work.

Keo Oudone Poungpany, a migrant worker from Laos, sought his younger brother’s body. Both brothers worked at the bar. Poungpany recounted not being able to re-enter due to intense heat.