BANGKOK : At least 27 people have died in a devastating fire at a bar in the Thai capital, authorities confirmed on Sunday night.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and told media that 27 bodies had been recovered so far, while several injured individuals had been transferred to hospitals and were undergoing medical assessment.
According to musicians who were performing at the bar and restaurant on the outskirts of Bangkok, the blaze began when smoke rose from a circuit breaker near the stage. The power then went out, followed by an explosion, the Prime Minister said.
In the ensuing panic, most people ran toward the washrooms at the back of the building, where there was no exit, Charnvirakul explained. Initial reports indicated that smoke spread extremely rapidly throughout the structure, contributing to the high death toll.
Thai police stated on social media that the fire had been brought under control. Authorities have cordoned off the scene and launched a full investigation into the accident.
