Bangkok Bar Fire: Some Victims May Have Entered Restroom Mistaking It for Exit

Central Message

(CNA, Bangkok, 14th –综合 foreign media report) A devastating fire at a Bangkok bar has resulted in numerous casualties. Police stated that due to a power outage at the scene, disoriented patrons may have mistaken a restroom near the exit for the actual exit during evacuation, becoming trapped inside. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of several victims from that location.

According to the Bangkok Post, Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the blaze, examining in detail whether emergency exit signage, placement, and maintenance met regulatory standards.

Thai Royal Police Chief Kittharath Punpetch said the bar in Bangkok, facing Lat Phrao Road, was a single-story building with a set of double doors. There were two exits at the rear of the building, one of which was located near the restroom, where rescue personnel found multiple victims' bodies.

Kittharath said the fire caused a power outage, and disoriented guests likely mistook the restroom door for an exit and became trapped. "Police are investigating whether the exits were locked at the time. If so, it will be considered reckless behavior."

Another rear exit led to the kitchen, where fire destroyed exit signs and lighting fixtures. Kittharath said police will determine whether the door handle was burned off by the intense fire or was already damaged prior.

He noted that there was a corridor approximately one meter wide, but parts of it were blocked by storage cabinets and shelves, narrowing the passage to the point where only one person could pass at a time.

"These obstacles that hindered evacuation indicate the operator's inadequate preparation for emergencies, suggesting negligence."

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration confirmed yesterday afternoon that the fire has claimed 28 lives and injured 71 people, with 25 in critical condition. Approximately 45 people believed to have been on-site remain unaccounted for.

Police said the bar owner was among the injured but is currently in intensive care and temporarily unable to be questioned.

Local authorities in the Chatuchak district ordered the bar to suspend operations for 30 days yesterday. (Translator: Qu Xiangping) 1150714

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