Bangkok, Jul 13: At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured after a massive fire swept through a pub in Bangkok shortly after midnight on Monday, Thai authorities said. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as several of the injured remained in critical condition.

According to authorities, the blaze broke out at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok and spread rapidly, trapping dozens of patrons inside before firefighters brought it under control after about 30 minutes.

22 Injured In Critical Condition
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 22 of the 63 injured victims were in critical condition. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Videos from the scene showed flames engulfing the entrance of the pub as frightened patrons scrambled to escape. Thick black smoke quickly filled the building, severely hampering evacuation efforts.

Fire Believed To Have Started Near Stage
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site, said the fire is believed to have started near the stage after smoke was seen rising from a circuit breaker.

According to musicians performing at the venue, smoke was noticed moments before the electricity failed. A loud explosion followed, after which flames spread rapidly throughout the pub.

Governor Chadchart said highly combustible decorative materials on the ceiling caught fire, producing dense toxic smoke that engulfed the premises within minutes.

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Most Victims Died Of Smoke Inhalation
Prime Minister Anutin said many victims were found near the restrooms at the rear of the building, suggesting they were attempting to escape when they were overcome by smoke.

He said most of the fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation rather than burn injuries.

Images from the site showed the pub extensively damaged, with charred interiors, burnt furniture and blackened walls.

Authorities launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Thailand Has Witnessed Similar Tragedies
The latest incident is among Thailand's deadliest entertainment venue fires in recent years.

In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people and injured dozens.

Thailand's worst nightclub fire occurred on New Year's Day in 2009, when a blaze at Bangkok's Santika nightclub claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200. Investigators later concluded that the fire was likely triggered by an indoor fireworks display.