A massive fire ripped through a Bangkok pub early Monday, killing at least 27 people and injuring several others as patrons tried to flee the smoke-filled venue, officials said.
The blaze was reported around midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in the northern part of Thailand’s capital, The Associated Press reported, citing rescuers.
Video shared by first responders showed flames pouring from the front of the building and thick black smoke billowing into the sky as people scrambled to escape.
NEARLY 100 MONKEYS ESCAPE ENCLOSURE, INVADE NEIGHBORHOODS AS OFFICIALS SCRAMBLE TO RECAPTURE THEM
Firefighters brought the fire under control in about 30 minutes, according to The Associated Press.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at the scene that 27 people were killed and that several injured victims were taken to a hospital.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were transported to the hospital, including 22 in critical condition. He said authorities are working on identifying victims since many were not carrying an ID or were unconscious.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
AT LEAST 34 DEAD AFTER TOURIST BOAT CAPSIZES DURING VIOLENT THUNDERSTORM IN VIETNAM
A musician performing at the pub told Anutin he saw smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage shortly before the power went out, the prime minister said.
Moments later, an explosion was heard, and thick smoke spread through the venue, The Associated Press reported.
Many of the victims were located in restrooms at the back of the pub, Anutin said.
PILOT DEAD, 13 INJURED AFTER SMALL PLANE CRASHES INTO TOWERING SKYSCRAPER
Photos from the aftermath showed heavy damage inside the building.
Deadly nightlife fires have struck Thailand in the past.
In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people. During a New Year’s Eve celebration on Jan. 1, 2009, 66 people were killed and more than 200 were injured in a fire at the Santika nightclub in Thailand’s capital.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
