BANGKOK—At least 27 people were killed and dozens more were injured after a fire tore through a popular music pub in the Thai capital late on Sunday, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the cause of the blaze and possible safety violations.
The fire broke out at about 11:57 p.m. local time at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao venue in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, according to Thai officials. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene early on Monday, said 27 bodies had been recovered while other victims were taken to hospitals for treatment. Authorities said at least 22 people were in critical condition.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control within about 30 minutes, but thick smoke and intense heat trapped many patrons inside the crowded entertainment venue, officials said.
Anutin said preliminary accounts from musicians performing at the venue indicated smoke was seen coming from an electrical circuit breaker near the stage before the power failed and an explosion was heard. He cautioned that investigators had not yet determined the cause of the fire.
"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 at the scene.
Police and forensic investigators cordoned off the building to examine evidence, including whether emergency exits were obstructed or other safety shortcomings contributed to the high death toll. Authorities said any findings regarding negligence would depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Video verified by Reuters showed thick black smoke pouring from the building before flames burst through a doorway as patrons fled in panic. Emergency workers later carried bodies from the heavily damaged structure while relatives gathered outside hospitals and a forensic institute seeking information about missing family members.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said investigators would inspect construction materials inside the venue and review its compliance with fire safety regulations. Officials said the pub held the required operating permits, though the investigation would determine whether safety standards had been maintained.
The owners of the venue said they would cooperate fully with investigators. One of the owners was reported to have been injured in the fire.
The disaster is among Bangkok's deadliest entertainment venue fires in nearly two decades and has renewed scrutiny of fire safety in Thailand's nightlife industry. The country's worst nightclub fire in recent history occurred at the Santika Club in Bangkok on New Year's Day in 2009, killing 67 people.
Authorities said efforts to identify victims, notify families and establish the cause of the fire were continuing.
