A massive fire suddenly broke out in the early hours of Monday in a pub located in the northern part of Thailand’s capital Bangkok. So far 27 people have died due to burns in this terrible fire. More than 60 people are said to be injured, out of which the condition of 22 people is said to be critical. Firefighters also found several bodies in the restroom at the back of the pub. The rescue team says that these people had come towards the restroom to escape the fire, but due to lack of way, the victims died.
According to eyewitnesses, initially smoke came out from the circuit breaker near the stage and the lights went out, after which there was a loud explosion. The fire spread so fast that it engulfed the entire pub within a few minutes. Officials said firefighters from several stations tried to extinguish the fire using water cannons and the fire was brought under control in about half an hour.
Pictures released after the fire was extinguished showed the interior of the pub badly destroyed, with charred tables and chairs covered in ash as rescue workers searched the scene.
What did the eyewitnesses tell?
According to news agency AFP, 45-year-old motorbike taxi driver Surin Jaiharn said he saw the fire spreading from the door of the pub towards the road. He helped about five people who were fleeing despite suffering burns and blisters. “I feel very sad. I saw many people die and I don’t know how the people I helped are doing,” Surin told AFP.
He said he used clothing to extinguish the flames on people’s bodies, while another driver carried a female victim away from the danger zone. According to a post on the pub’s Facebook page promoting a live show this month, the live music venue has a stage, two bars and a kitchen, with a total seating capacity of more than 300 people. There are also four fire exits in case of fire.
Condition of 22 injured is critical
News agency AP quoted Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt as saying that 60 people were taken to hospital. Of these, the condition of 22 is critical. Authorities were having difficulty identifying the victims, as many did not have ID or were unconscious. A registration desk has also been set up at the spot to collect information from people coming to seek information about their loved ones.
Tragedies have happened before
Let us tell you that due to neglect of safety standards in Thailand’s nightclubs and pubs, many such major tragedies have been seen before. In the year 2022, 14 people died due to a fire in a music pub located in the eastern part of the country. Earlier on January 1, 2009, 66 people were killed and more than 200 were injured in a fire caused by indoor fireworks during New Year celebrations at Santika Nightclub in Bangkok.