Huge fire in Bangkok bar kills at least 27

A huge fire in a Bangkok bar killed at least 27 people and injured dozens, officials and witnesses say, the deadliest such incident in Thailand for almost two decades.

People ran screaming out of the venue on the outskirts of the Thai capital on Sunday evening as flames shot out of the entrance, several with their clothing burned or ablaze, according to video verified by AFP.

An AFP journalist saw several body bags on the ground early this morning outside the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar and restaurant. A few hours later, forensic police began combing their way through the devastated venue.

“The fire spread very quickly, reaching up to the ceiling. Smoke was likely the main cause of death,” Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt tells reporters at the scene.

He says 27 people were killed and 63 were hospitalized with injuries, including 22 in critical condition, adding that authorities have launched an investigation.

It was the deadliest fire in Thailand since a blaze tore through Bangkok’s Santika club during New Year celebrations in 2009, killing 67 people and injuring more than 200.

A number of the victims were found near a fire exit that authorities believe may have been blocked, the governor says.