A fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao music bar in northern Bangkok breaks out late Sunday and becomes the city’s deadliest blaze in 17 years, killing at least 27 people, authorities said. The fire spreads quickly, and firefighters take about half an hour to bring it under control. Investigators cordon off the site by daybreak Monday and send forensic teams to collect evidence on what caused the fire.
Police and city officials say many victims are found in windowless bathrooms, which authorities say suggests some people may have gone there to try to escape the flames. The deaths are described as largely resulting from smoke inhalation. The street-facing windows are blown out, and debris is left on the sidewalk, including burned electronics and other items from inside the venue. Photos from the scene show charred tables with empty beer bottles still in place.
Authorities also report that 25 people are hospitalized, with officials describing them as in critical condition. After the fire, mourners leave flowers at the cordoned-off location, while police continue their investigation.
