A massive blaze ripped through a bar in Bangkok late on Sunday night, claiming the lives of at least 27 people and leaving 22 others in critical condition.

The fire reportedly began near the stage area of the venue in the bustling Chatuchak district. It quickly spread throughout the premises, cutting off electricity and filling the space with thick smoke, according to witnesses.

Videos shared on social media captured scenes of chaos, with terrified patrons screaming as they rushed toward the exit. Some were seen fleeing through the front entrance of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao while their clothing was still burning.

Emergency crews arrived shortly after midnight and managed to extinguish the flames swiftly. Inside, firefighters discovered many of the victims in a bathroom, where they had apparently attempted to take refuge from the fire.

Early assessments by Bangkok’s disaster prevention authorities indicate that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause.

Authorities have pledged to conduct a full and transparent investigation.

Thailand has faced similar deadly incidents in the past.

Although previous tragedies prompted assurances that fire and electrical safety regulations would be strengthened, enforcement has frequently been inconsistent.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site early Monday, said a musician performing at the time described hearing what sounded like an explosion before smoke and flames engulfed the venue, causing panic among those inside.

According to the prime minister, the musician explained that many people were unable to escape because they moved toward the back of the building and attempted to hide in the restroom.

Firefighters were reportedly alerted by a passing driver and were able to bring the situation under control within approximately 30 minutes.

Despite their rapid response, nine men and 18 women lost their lives. Officials confirmed that more than 60 people are receiving hospital treatment, including 22 who remain in critical condition.

Suriyachai Raviwan, head of Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department, stated that initial examinations suggest most victims died from smoke inhalation.

Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt noted that highly flammable decorative materials on the ceiling may have accelerated the fire’s spread.

He also mentioned reports of individuals found unconscious near the emergency exit, raising concerns that access may have been obstructed.

Officials emphasized that these possibilities will only be verified after a detailed forensic investigation is completed.

A motorcyclist, Surin Jaiharn, said he assisted around five people in escaping the inferno, using pieces of clothing to smother flames on their bodies.

“I feel devastated. I witnessed so much loss, and I don’t know what happened to the people I tried to help,” he said.

The driver who notified emergency services said he broke windows to rescue two individuals trapped inside.

By Monday morning, the bar had been sealed off by authorities. Broken glass and damaged furniture were stacked outside the entrance, while rows of body bags lined the area in grim scenes.

Inside the building, the walls, furnishings, and ceiling were charred black, with sections of the ceiling collapsed. A strong smell of smoke still hung in the air the following day.

The Chatuchak district office announced that the building housing the bar would be shut down for 30 days.

Authorities also confirmed financial assistance for victims’ families. Relatives of those who died will receive 29,300 Thai baht ($880; £660), while injured survivors undergoing treatment will be given 4,000 baht ($120; £90).

Thailand has endured comparable disasters before.

In 2022, a bar fire in a town south of Bangkok killed 22 people.

On 1 January 2009, a nightclub blaze in the capital claimed 66 lives and injured more than 200 others during New Year celebrations.

In 2024, an electrical short circuit sparked a fire at the well-known open-air Chatuchak market, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,000 animals.