The death toll from a major fire at a music bar in Bangkok has now reached 32. Last Sunday, the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar was engulfed in flames, marking the deadliest fire in the city in 17 years. Over 70 people were injured, with 30 still hospitalized, including 15 in intensive care, according to the Erawan emergency services center in Thailand’s capital.
Survivors and families of the victims visited a nearby police station on Wednesday seeking compensation, retrieving belongings, and providing statements about the incident. The bar, which claimed to accommodate up to 600 customers, witnessed a tragic event on Sunday night, though the exact number of patrons present remains unclear.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether the bar adhered to safety regulations. Many of the deceased individuals were found trapped in windowless bathrooms, likely attempting to escape the blaze, as reported by the police.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on Tuesday a comprehensive survey of similar establishments to evaluate safety risks. The city plans to enforce existing laws more rigorously to enhance safety standards.
Former patrons and mourners paid tribute at the site, leaving flowers and heartfelt messages in various languages. Debris from the bar, including charred chairs and melted musical instruments, was collected for investigative purposes.
The bar issued an apology and condolences on Facebook on Monday, pledging full cooperation with the ongoing fire investigations. They have set up a Coordination Center to assist victims and their families, providing support and liaising with relevant agencies.
The establishment also assured full cooperation with authorities, transparency in fact-checking, and legal proceedings. They emphasized providing assistance and support to those affected and urged everyone to rely on official communication channels for accurate information updates.
