BANGKOK—Patrons caught in a deadly fire at a Bangkok music bar fled toward blocked or inaccessible exits and became trapped near rear bathrooms as smoke rapidly filled the venue, Thai officials said on Monday, as investigators examined possible negligence in one of the country's deadliest nightlife disasters in years.
The blaze tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao venue shortly before midnight on Sunday, killing 27 people and injuring more than 70 others, according to Thai authorities. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, said many victims instinctively ran toward the back of the building but were unable to find a clear escape route.
"Most of the victims ran to the back of the building, into the bathroom, and there was no clear sign of a fire exit," Anutin told reporters after inspecting the site. He said authorities had recovered 27 bodies while other victims were being treated in hospitals.
Police said the investigation was focusing on possible negligence, including whether emergency exits were obstructed and whether the venue complied with fire safety regulations. Officials are also examining evidence that an emergency exit may have been locked or inadequately marked, though investigators said the findings remain preliminary.
Video verified by Reuters showed thick black smoke pouring from the building before a powerful burst of flames erupted through a doorway as panicked customers attempted to escape. Body-camera footage from emergency responders showed firefighters wearing breathing equipment searching through the smoke-filled interior, where multiple victims were found near the toilets.
National police chief Kittharath Punpetch said many of those who died appeared to have sought refuge in windowless bathrooms close to a rear exit that was not successfully used during the evacuation. Authorities are investigating whether obstacles inside the venue or darkness caused by a power failure prevented patrons from reaching safety.
Witnesses told local media that smoke spread quickly after the lights briefly went out, followed by what they described as an explosion. Authorities said investigators were examining whether an electrical fault, including a possible short circuit involving an air-conditioning unit, may have sparked the fire, but stressed that the cause had not yet been determined.
Forensic officers continued examining the heavily damaged building on Monday while families gathered at hospitals and identification centers awaiting news of missing relatives. Officials said the criminal investigation and technical examination of the venue would continue before any decisions on possible charges or enforcement action are made.
