Investigation Underway As Death Toll From Bangkok Bar Fire Rises to 30
Authorities in Thailand are investigating a deadly fire at a music pub in Bangkok that has killed at least 30 people and left dozens more injured. While the cause of the blaze is not yet known, there are reports that exits may have been blocked by furniture or even locked from the outside.
Bangkok Nightlife Fire: Tragedy and Investigation
REPORTER:
Video shows a dramatic scene as a packed bar in Bangkok burst into flames on Sunday. With more than 28 people already confirmed dead, and dozens more injured, the incident is the deadliest of its kind in Thailand in almost 20 years. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, and the bar's owner has not been able to provide clarity as he remains in intensive care.
Kitrat Panphet (NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF):
"We presume [the cause of the fire] is carelessness. The forensic team will check the electric wiring because this building was built 53 years ago. We will closely look at how it was decorated."
REPORTER:
Surviving members of the band that was playing on the stage when the fire broke out returned to the scene of the tragedy to get their equipment and spoke to media.
Anan "Tor" Prasert (BASSIST):
"I honestly don't have the heart to play right now. Even if it's not with this band, even if it's playing with another group, I just don't have a heart to play [music] again. My mental state just can't handle it."
REPORTER:
Local media and authorities have shared some initial findings, although details remain unconfirmed. The police chief said many bodies were found in the bathroom, towards the back of the bar, as victims could not find the exit. That may have been due to the venue’s dim lighting. There are reports that say some exits were blocked by furniture or possibly locked from the outside. Victims' families are questioning the circumstances behind the fire.
Kanlayawat Banruangthong (RELATIVE OF VICTIM):
That shouldn't have been the case, right? If something like this happens, how is the venue going to take responsibility for my brother's life? He was only 23 years old.
No amount of money can bring a person's life back
REPORTER:
For now, the cause of the tragic blaze remains unknown, but for survivors, the deceased, and their loved ones, any answers may be too little, too late.
