A devastating fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao music bar in northern Bangkok has claimed at least 30 lives and left 75 people injured, making it the…
1/8Fire breaks out late at night: A deadly fire erupted at around 11:57 pm on Sunday at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao music bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. According to Thai authorities, a short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner is believed to have triggered the blaze, Reuters reported. (Image: AP)
2/8Witnesses describe a sudden fireball: Verified videos reviewed by Reuters show thick smoke pouring from the entrance before a powerful burst of flames shoots onto the street within seconds. Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly, leaving many people trapped inside. (Image: Reuters)
3/8Death toll rises to 30: Officials said the death toll increased to 30, while 75 people were injured, including 24 in critical condition. Several injured victims later died in hospital, according to Reuters. (Image: Reuters)
4/8Smoke proved deadlier than flames: Fire safety experts who inspected the site told Reuters that highly flammable decorative materials and acoustic foam fuelled the blaze. They said toxic smoke containing carbon monoxide and cyanide spread quickly, with many victims dying from smoke inhalation before being reached by the fire. (Image: AP)
5/8Victims found near bathrooms: According to AP, many victims were found in the venue’s windowless bathrooms, where they may have tried to escape the smoke. Reuters also reported that rescue teams found several bodies near the toilets at the back of the bar. (Image: Reuters)
6/8Probe focuses on emergency exits: Police are investigating whether emergency exits were blocked by tables and beer crates and whether one exit door had been bolted. Authorities are also examining the use of flammable decorative materials and possible safety lapses at the venue, Reuters reported. (Image: AP)
7/8Bangkok orders stricter safety checks: Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said a committee has been formed to review the incident and recommend changes to fire safety rules. According to Reuters, the city has also announced plans for more random inspections of entertainment venues following the tragedy. (Image: Reuters)
8/8Mourners pay tribute: Family members and friends gathered outside the music bar and at the city morgue to mourn those who lost their lives. According to AP, former patrons and other mourners left flowers outside the venue, while forensic teams continued examining the site as the investigation continued. (Image: Reuters)