More than two dozen people died in a fire that broke out at a pub where a band was playing in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, late Sunday night, including at least two of the musicians.
The blaze appeared to begin somewhere near the stage, a musician performing at the venue said, describing smoke coming from a circuit breaker before the power went out, followed by an explosion and then quickly spreading flames.
The two musicians were among at least 27 victims of the fire. Most of them were found near the back of the business, near the restrooms, according to officials.
The location of the victims’ bodies has raised questions about the venue’s layout and its emergency preparedness precautions. The Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, said that there may have been a table blocking one of the fire exits.
He said there would be an inquiry into the venue’s compliance with legal requirements, including permitting, and said that the owner was apparently among those injured in the blaze. Mr. Chadchart said a contact center would be established for the victims and their relatives.
Mr. Chadchart said that, based on plastic chairs and tables in the venue that were still intact after the fire, it seemed the flames spread quickly along the ceiling. He did not state a cause for the fire, saying that a forensic investigation was underway.
The fire, which spread quickly and filled the room, limiting visibility, according to witnesses, was extinguished in less than an hour, local news media reported. About 18 people with injuries were taken to nearby hospitals.
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