The death toll from the fire that ravaged a live music pub in Bangkok has risen to 32 after two people hospitalized with severe burns died, Thai authorities announced Wednesday. An investigation is continuing to determine whether negligence contributed to the disaster.
The tragedy occurred overnight Sunday to Monday at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, located in the Chatuchak district, north of the capital. According to several witnesses, an explosion was followed by a violent spread of flames and a thick cloud of smoke that quickly engulfed the establishment, trapping many patrons.
According to the Erawan Emergency Medical Center, 30 people remain hospitalized in Bangkok, 15 of whom are still in intensive care. A total of 44 injured people have been discharged from the hospital since the fire.
Initial findings suggest that a short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner may have caused the fire. Investigators are also examining the possibility of negligence, particularly to determine if emergency exits were obstructed at the time of the blaze.
In response to this tragedy, the Thai government announced stricter controls on entertainment venues. Unannounced inspections will be conducted to ensure that emergency exits remain accessible and that safety standards are met. Authorities noted that the pub had, however, undergone an inspection just a few months earlier, in April.
The fire is considered one of the deadliest to have occurred in Thailand in recent years and reignites the debate on compliance with safety rules in places open to the public.
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