Officials have reported that at least 27 people have died and 63 injured following a fire at a pub in Bangkok.
According to rescuers, the fire reportedly took hold around midnight local time on Sunday, and the fire had burned through the venue by the time they arrived at the premises. It took about half and hour for firefighters to bring the fire under control.
It is believed that the fire started at a pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Local media have revealed the venue affected was Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, which has been described as popular local venue in the area.
Reports have suggested that an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner could have caused this fire, according to Bangkok's disaster administration.
The Thai national police have said that investigators have found materials which may have been used as decorative elements, and that officers have "have established negligence as the primary theory guiding their investigation" (quote according to Sky News).
Speaking to media, Thailand Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul said at the scene that 27 people had died and that others had been taken to hospital. He added that the cause of the fire was currently being investigated.
The Prime Minister said that "smoke from a circuit breaker near the stage followed by the power going out and an explosion" (quotes according to RTÉ).
Photos afterwards showed charred tables and chairs, as well as the damage done to the interior of the pub.
It was also revealed that many of the victims were trapped in a windowless bathroom close to the rear exit of the bar, according to Thailand's national police chief, Kittharath Punpetch, who said that people may have been obstructed from reaching the exit by a table which was set up to sell candy, or because it was too dark to see it.
He also said that access to another exit near the kitchen may have also been obscured by various units and lockers, pointing out that there were signs that at least some of the exit doors could have been locked shut.
Police are to examine if flammable materials were used in the interior of the bar and how electrical wiring was installed along the ceiling.
Bangkok's governor, Chadchart Sittipunt has said that most of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation, and authorities are working towards identifying victims, who did not carry ID.
Police are also seeking to speak to the bar's owner, who is currently in intensive care.
