Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27; over 60 injured after massive blaze

At least 27 people were killed and more than 60 others injured after a massive fire engulfed a pub in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, in the early hours of Monday. 

The blaze broke out around midnight at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok, triggering panic as thick smoke rapidly filled the venue.

Videos shared by first responders showed flames tearing through the building while people desperately tried to escape.

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed the death toll and said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

According to him, a musician performing at the pub reported seeing smoke emerging from a circuit breaker near the stage before the power supply failed. Moments later, an explosion was heard, and dense smoke spread throughout the premises.

Several victims were found near the restrooms at the back of the pub, where they are believed to have sought shelter from the smoke.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were taken to hospitals, with 22 in critical condition.

Authorities are working to identify victims, as many were either unconscious or were not carrying identification documents.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. Images from the site showed a charred interior with burnt furniture and extensive structural damage.

Officials have also set up a registration centre to help families searching for missing relatives.

The tragedy has drawn comparisons to previous deadly nightclub fires in Thailand, including a 2022 music pub fire that claimed 14 lives and the 2009 Santika nightclub blaze in Bangkok, which killed 66 people and injured more than 200.