A fire has broken out at a pub in the Thai capital, Bangkok. According to officials, at least 27 people have died. This incident marks the deadliest fire in Thailand in the last 20 years.
The incident at the "Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao" pub has left 63 people injured. Of those, 22 are in critical condition. All the injured are currently being treated in hospitals.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire was caused by a short circuit in an air conditioner. Witnesses state that patrons first smelled smoke before seeing the ceiling erupt in flames.
Eyewitness Sukanya noted that many people sustained injuries due to the collapsing ceiling. According to rescue workers, the pub's emergency exits were locked. This prevented visitors from exiting quickly, and many died of smoke inhalation.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene early this morning. He confirmed the death toll of 27.
This is the greatest tragedy since 2009. At that time, a fire at the "Santika" club claimed 67 lives, and more than 200 people sustained injuries of varying severity.
