Bangkok bar fire kills 27, officials say emergency exits were obstructed
Bangkok bar fire kills 27, officials say emergency exits were obstructed
A fire tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the Thai capital on Sunday (Jul 12), killing 27 people and injuring dozens as thick smoke and flames engulfed the venue.
Officials said an apparent electrical short circuit in an air conditioner may have sparked the blaze, which spread rapidly from the stage area and filled the pub with thick smoke.
Survivors said blocked emergency exits hindered evacuation. Beer crates obstructed one fire exit, while a table blocked another, forcing many people towards the back of the building.
Rescue workers found many victims near the toilets, where people had tried to flee from the flames.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as customers ran into the street, some with their clothes on fire.
