Agencies | Bangkok:
Videos circulating on social media have captured the terrifying moments during and after the massive fire that tore through a popular pub in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, killing 27 people and injuring 63 others.
The footage shows patrons desperately trying to escape through thick smoke, people screaming for help, and firefighters searching the charred building for survivors after the blaze was brought under control.
The fire broke out late Sunday night at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a live music venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
Authorities said 27 people were killed, while 63 others were taken to hospitals. Of those injured, 22 remain in critical condition.
One video shows flames engulfing the entrance of the pub as dense black smoke billows from the building. Panicked patrons are seen running from the venue while others attempt to help those escaping the blaze.
Another clip captures people rushing out of the pub as flames burst through the entrance. Several victims appear to have their clothes on fire as bystanders rush to assist the injured amid chaotic scenes.
Footage recorded after firefighters contained the blaze shows emergency personnel wearing oxygen masks entering the smoke-filled building with flashlights. Rescuers can be seen moving through the dark interior carrying stretchers as they search for people trapped inside.
The videos also reveal several victims lying near the restroom area at the back of the pub, while rescue workers carefully navigate the heavily damaged venue. Charred tables, stools and the fire-ravaged main hall illustrate the scale of destruction left behind.
The footage aligns with eyewitness accounts that smoke spread rapidly throughout the venue after the power went out.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said musicians performing at the venue reported seeing smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage before the electricity failed, followed by an explosion.
“Most of the victims ran to the back, to toilets with no exit. It could be because of panic, because there was fire and smoke,” Anutin told reporters.
Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, one of the first responders, said the rescue operation was made especially difficult by the dense smoke.
“The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere,” he said.
“Most of the survivors were choking on smoke.”
One of the most distressing videos was shared by Laotian tourist Kan Kutirat, who had been inside the pub before the fire intensified. The footage shows patrons fleeing into the street as flames surge from the entrance.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Kan said, “I never experienced anything like this before.”
In a later social media post, he wrote: “I could only get one person out. I tried my best. I’m sorry.”
Authorities said forensic teams continued examining the scene on Monday as investigators worked to determine the cause of the fire. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze while officials continue identifying victims and gathering evidence from the site.
