At least 27 people have been killed in a fire at a pub in Bangkok, Thailand's prime minister and other officials said on Monday, in one of the deadliest such incidents in the tourism hub in recent years. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
"There are more than 27 dead," said Anwut Pho-ampai of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, which operates a voluntary emergency rescue service.
Prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site of the fire in the early hours of Monday, told reporters that based on survivor accounts, the pub rapidly filled with smoke after a fire broke out, forcing many to run to the back of the venue near the bathrooms, but there were no fire escapes.
"We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital," Anutin said.
A Bangkok metropolitan administration official said 63 people were injured in the fire.
Exact details were not immediately clear, but the fire was believed to have started at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, local media reported.
Circumstances of the fire
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Rescue workers and investigators are at the scene. The rapid spread of the fire may have been due to insufficient fire safety measures in the building. The prime minister noted the lack of fire escapes.
Casualties and injuries
The death toll may exceed 27. 63 injured have been taken to hospitals, with no information on their condition. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Government response
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and promised assistance to the victims. He ordered a review of fire safety compliance.
This incident may impact Thailand's tourism industry. Bangkok is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.