At least 32 people have died following a devastating fire that engulfed a music bar in northern Bangkok in the early hours of Monday morning. The blaze, the city's deadliest in 17 years, left more than 70 people injured. Current reports indicate that 24 people remain in critical condition, while 30 are hospitalized, including 15 in intensive care units. Authorities have formally identified 27 of the victims.
An initial assessment by disaster officials suggests that an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner may have triggered the fire. Police noted that many of those killed were found trapped in windowless bathrooms, where they may have attempted to escape the flames.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the blaze and whether the bar adhered to safety regulations. Authorities are specifically investigating if exits were blocked or hard to access. The bar owner has expressed his deepest apologies for the tragic incident and has agreed to cooperate with the investigation into alleged negligence.