Authorities in Thailand have launched an investigation to determine whether negligence and violations of safety regulations led to the devastating fire at a venue in Bangkok. At least 30 people have died in the incident, while dozens more have been injured.
The number of injured people exceeds 70, including 24 in critical condition. Authorities said the establishment was registered as a “restaurant with live music” rather than an entertainment venue, a status that exempted it from certain stricter requirements regarding the use of fire-resistant materials.
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According to the initial investigation, the flames may have been caused by a short circuit in the air-conditioning system, which also led to a power outage at the venue. The fire broke out near the stage and spread within seconds.
Some of the victims were found in the venue’s toilets. They are believed to have tried to escape through that part of the premises but were unable to get outside.
Survivors said that some doors may have been closed, while the building lacked signs directing people towards emergency exits. Safety experts have also raised concerns that a door near the toilets was locked and that the main entrances were partially obstructed by furniture and other items.
Suspicions are also focused on decorations used near the stage. Plastic materials and other flammable elements installed on the ceiling may have fuelled the rapid spread of the flames and the formation of toxic smoke.
Bangkok’s administration said it would review fire safety regulations for restaurants and venues. Thai media report that the owner of this establishment had previously owned another pub in Yasothon province, which was destroyed by fire in 2019. There were no casualties in that incident, as it occurred during the day.
