The death toll from a fire at a live music bar in Bangkok has risen to 32 after two more victims succumbed to their injuries, while police continue investigating whether negligence contributed to one of Thailand’s deadliest fires in recent years.
According to the Police Hospital, the latest fatalities came days after the blaze tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok’s northern Chatuchak district shortly before midnight on Sunday.
The Erawan Emergency Medical Centre said 30 people remain hospitalised, with 15 in intensive care, while 44 others have been discharged.
Authorities believe the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion before flames and thick smoke rapidly engulfed the single-storey entertainment venue.
Police are investigating whether emergency exits were obstructed and if negligence played a role in the incident, despite the premises having passed an inspection in April.
The Thai government has pledged to tighten safety regulations for entertainment outlets, including conducting random inspections to ensure fire exits remain accessible and venues comply with safety standards.
Experts believe combustible acoustic materials used around the stage may have accelerated the fire, generating intense heat, toxic smoke and fumes that trapped patrons inside.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over fire safety in Thailand’s entertainment venues, following previous incidents involving flammable decorations, overcrowding and blocked emergency exits, including a 2009 Bangkok nightclub fire that killed at least 65 people.
Reuters
