At least 27 people have died after a devastating fire tore through a pub in Bangkok, Thailand, leaving dozens more injured.
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The blaze broke out shortly before midnight on Sunday July 13, with early reports suggesting it may have started near a circuit breaker.
Witnesses said they saw smoke coming from the electrical equipment before hearing an explosion.
Pub Fire Leaves Dozens Dead in Bangkok
Fire & Rescue Thailand said the fire began just before midnight at Na Ladprao, a pub in the northern part of the city.
Footage released by the agency showed flames pouring from the front entrance as terrified patrons rushed to escape while thick black smoke engulfed the building.
Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has confirmed that at least 27 people lost their lives in the tragedy.
Reports also state that 63 people were taken to hospital, with 22 listed in critical condition.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. As well as whether any safety failures inside the venue contributed to the high death toll.
Investigation Focuses on Cause of Deadly Blaze
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said investigators will examine the building's ceiling materials.
They will also determine whether emergency exits were blocked, potentially making it more difficult for people to escape.
Many of the victims were reportedly found in restrooms at the rear of the pub.
A musician performing at the venue told the prime minister that he noticed smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage shortly before the fire erupted.
According to the witness, the power then failed, an explosion followed, and thick smoke rapidly filled the venue.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control after around 30 minutes. Although street-facing windows had already blown out, and debris was scattered across the sidewalk.
On Monday morning, Buddhist monks visited the site to pray for those who lost their lives.
Nearby, nurses handed out face masks to residents and bystanders. This was to help protect people from lingering smoke and fumes from the burned-out building.
Authorities are continuing to identify the victims. Officials say that many were either unconscious when they were found or were not carrying any form of identification.
