Fire in Bangkok Pub Kills Dozens
The cause of the fire was still unknown, but it began as a band was performing onstage and spread very rapidly, killing least 27 people.
The fast-moving blaze sent people fleeing into the bathroom to hide, officials said. Their bodies were found there, raising questions about fire safety standards.
More than two dozen people were killed when a fire broke out at a bar in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, late Sunday night, spreading quickly and apparently sending patrons fleeing into the bathrooms at the back of the venue, where they died, officials said.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand told reporters early Monday that the blaze appeared to begin somewhere near the stage in the bar where a band had been playing.
“Smoke filled the air, and people ran. Most of the victims ran into the restrooms at the back of the building, which didn’t have clear fire escape doors,” he said, noting that this was based on an initial assessment.
Citing musicians who had been performing at the venue, Mr. Anutin said that smoke had come from a circuit breaker before the power went out. Then there was an explosion and flames spread quickly.
Two of the musicians were among at least 27 victims of the fire.
