A late-night fire ripped through a crowded bar in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, killing at least 27 people and leaving dozens injured in one of the city's deadliest entertainment venue disasters in recent years.

The blaze broke out shortly after midnight on Monday at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a popular bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Witnesses said the fire erupted near the stage before spreading rapidly across the venue, filling the building with thick smoke and plunging it into darkness after the power supply failed.

According to the BBC, terrified patrons rushed toward the exits as flames engulfed the entrance, while others became trapped inside. Many victims reportedly sought refuge in a bathroom at the rear of the building, where firefighters later discovered most of the bodies after bringing the blaze under control.

Authorities said 27 people nine men and 18 women lost their lives, while more than 60 others were taken to hospitals. At least 22 of the injured remain in critical condition. Preliminary assessments indicate that most of the victims died from smoke inhalation rather than burns.

Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit, although officials stressed that the exact cause has yet to be confirmed. Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt said highly flammable ceiling decorations may have accelerated the spread of the flames, while reports that several people were found unconscious near an emergency exit have raised concerns that escape routes may have been obstructed.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site on Monday morning, said a musician performing when the fire started described hearing what sounded like an explosion before smoke and flames swept through the venue. The performer told the premier that many customers fled toward the back of the building and hid in the restroom, where they became trapped.

Firefighters, alerted by a passing motorist, managed to extinguish the blaze within about 30 minutes. Bystanders also joined rescue efforts, with one motorcyclist telling AFP that he helped several victims escape and used clothing to extinguish flames on their bodies. Another witness reportedly smashed windows to free people trapped inside.

Images from the scene showed extensive devastation, with the bar's interior charred beyond recognition. Burned furniture, blackened walls and collapsed ceiling panels illustrated the intensity of the fire, while rows of body bags lined the street outside as emergency teams recovered victims.

The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of fire safety standards in Thailand's entertainment venues. Despite repeated government pledges following previous fatal fires, concerns remain over inadequate enforcement of building regulations, emergency exits and electrical safety. Authorities have launched a full forensic investigation to determine the cause of the blaze and assess whether negligence contributed to the high death toll.

BOB Post