Fire at Bangkok pub kills 27, injures dozens, 22 critical

A fire at a pub near Lat Phrao Road in Bangkok's Chatuchak district late Sunday killed 27 people and injured dozens others, of whom 22 are in critical ‌condition, officials said on Monday.

The fire broke out at around 11:57 p.m. and was later extinguished. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at the scene at around 1:44 a.m. on Monday and said most of the victims died from smoke inhalation.

Based on survivor accounts, he said the pub was rapidly filled with smoke after the fire broke out, forcing many to run to the back of the ​venue near the bathrooms, but there were no fire escapes.

As many as 63 people injured in the incident have been hospitalized, ⁠said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Of those injured and hospitalized, 22 are in critical condition, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters.

By the time the rescue workers arrived at the scene, the fire that witnesses said ignited at the front of the venue's stage had already burned through the area, according to Suriyachai.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

(With input from agencies)