The death toll from a fire at a Bangkok music bar has risen to 30, officials announced Tuesday. Over 70 individuals are currently hospitalized, with 24 in critical condition.
The fire broke out late Sunday at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar, located in the northern part of the Thai capital. Firefighters worked for approximately 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. The establishment, which describes itself as a brewery or beer hall, reportedly has a capacity of up to 600 patrons, though the number present on the night of the incident remains unclear.
This incident marks the city's deadliest fire in 17 years. An investigation into the cause of the fire and compliance with safety regulations is currently underway. Police reported that many of the deceased were found trapped in windowless bathrooms, suggesting they may have sought refuge there from the flames.
On Tuesday, former patrons and mourners gathered at the site, adding to the growing display of flowers. Messages of condolence, written in Thai and other languages, were placed alongside the floral tributes.
Debris from the bar, including melted musical instruments and charred chairs, was moved to the sidewalk by Thai officials on Monday as part of the ongoing investigation into the fire's origin.