Bangkok, Thailand. The death toll from a fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao live music pub rose to 30 on Tuesday, officials said, as authorities investigated possible negligence and safety violations.
Twenty-four people remained in critical condition, while dozens of others treated after the blaze had been discharged from hospital. Three people hospitalised after the fire later died.
Fire and investigation
The fire broke out shortly before midnight on Sunday at the single-storey pub in Bangkok’s northern Chatuchak area. Witnesses described an explosion, a horizontal burst of flames and smoke engulfing the venue.
Authorities said an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner may have triggered the blaze. The pub underwent a safety inspection in April.
Police are examining whether exits were obstructed and whether flammable materials were used in stage decorations and soundproofing. They said 34 people had been interviewed and that charges would be considered once evidence had been gathered.
Governor promises stricter inspections
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said a committee had been established to determine what happened and whether regulations should be changed.
“We’ve set up a committee to investigate the truth, what should be improved and what rules should be changed,” Chadchart told a press conference on Tuesday.
The pub is located at a busy intersection near train stations and two shopping malls, in an area with similar bars that are often crowded on weekend nights. The establishment serves food and alcohol and offers live music and televised football.
Victims and response
The pub owner was among those receiving treatment in an intensive care unit, police said.
At a Bangkok morgue, rescue workers moved the coffin of a victim as family members and friends arrived to collect the body. Relatives also gathered outside the pub to mourn while forensic personnel collected evidence.
Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao apologised for the fire in a Facebook post and said it was fully cooperating with the investigation.
