At least 30 people died after a fire broke out at a crowded restaurant in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, around midnight on Sunday. Authorities also reported dozens of injuries.
The blaze erupted at Rong Beer Na Ladprao in the Ladprao area of the Chatuchak district. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as flames spread through the busy venue.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that authorities recovered 30 bodies from the restaurant. He added that several injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Moreover, the prime minister said officials were still assessing the condition of those admitted to medical facilities. Rescue teams continued searching the building after the fire was contained.
According to Anutin, musicians performing at the venue described smoke emerging from a circuit breaker near the stage. Shortly afterward, the electricity failed before an explosion reportedly occurred.
Furthermore, preliminary accounts from survivors suggested many people ran toward the back of the restaurant during the emergency. Several victims reportedly entered toilets that had no exit while trying to escape.
Anutin said panic and rapidly spreading smoke likely contributed to the high death toll. He explained that thick smoke quickly filled the restaurant, trapping many people inside.
Meanwhile, firefighters and rescue workers evacuated survivors from the burning building. Ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals as emergency teams continued rescue operations.
Rescue officials identified 17 women and eight men among those killed. Authorities are still working to confirm the identities of the remaining victims.
Bangkok’s governor said 22 of the 63 injured people remain in critical condition. Hospitals continue providing emergency treatment to those affected by the incident.
Videos from the scene showed frightened people running from the building while emergency responders carried out rescue efforts. Meanwhile, Thailand’s national police later confirmed the fire had been brought under control as investigators began examining the cause of the deadly blaze.
