Bangkok eatery fire: At least 27 dead, 63 injured after stage circuit breaker explodes
Bangkok, July 13
A devastating fire at an eatery in Bangkok's Chatuchak district left at least 27 people dead and 63 others injured in the early hours of Monday.
The Bangkok Post stated that the tragedy struck the Na Ladprao eatery near Soi Lat Phrao 1 Road at 12.02 am while the venue was packed with patrons.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control in roughly 30 minutes, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
The casualties included nine men and 18 women among the deceased, while 22 of the 63 injured individuals are reported to be in a serious condition.
Senior officials, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, and DDPM Director-General Teerapat Kachamat, rushed to the site to oversee the emergency operations.
According to the Bangkok Post, Anutin, who also serves as the interior minister, confirmed that the majority of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation.
He noted that performing musicians reported the fire originated at a circuit breaker on the stage, which triggered a power blackout and a subsequent explosion.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt observed that the flames engulfed the establishment rapidly, feeding on the ceiling decorations.
The Bangkok Post further reported the governor's assessment that toxic smoke emitted by the burning decorative materials proved fatal for many inside.
He clarified that the venue possessed a valid license permitting live music performances and had undergone a routine official inspection in April.
Providing further details on the rescue challenges, Suriyachai Rawiwan, Bangkok's disaster prevention and mitigation director, indicated that while fire exits were available at the rear, panicked victims seemingly fled toward the toilets at the back instead, hindering rescue efforts.
Authorities are currently proceeding with the formal identification of the deceased.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very sad news. The fact that people ran towards the toilets instead of the fire exits is a classic panic reaction. It shows how important it is to have clear and well-lit exit routes and regular fire drills, even at eateries. My salutes to the fire fighters who controlled it in 30 mins. 🙏
It's shocking that toxic smoke from ceiling decorations caused so many deaths. Even places with valid licenses and inspections can turn into death traps if materials are flammable. Our own municipalities need to ensure that false ceilings and decorations in restaurants are made of fire-retardant material. RIP.
A circuit breaker explosion causing this? Usually breakers are supposed to prevent fires, not cause them. Something must have been seriously faulty. As a former electrician, I know poor installation can bypass safety features. All businesses should double-check their electrical systems. Prayers for Thailand 🇹🇭.
Very poor emergency planning. If people panicked and went to the toilets, it means the fire exit signs were not visible or the staff didn't guide them properly. In India, we often see exits blocked or locked. Authorities should learn from this and we should too. A wake-up call for every restaurant owner.
It's heartbreaking that something as simple as a live music setup could cause such catastrophe. The bureaucracy of license and inspection failed to prevent this. While I appreciate the senior officials overseeing rescue, I hope there is a thorough investigation. We must never neglect basic safety. Deep condolences. 🕊️
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