BANGKOK, July 13 — The Thai police are investigating possible criminal negligence and safety violations following a deadly fire at a bar in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area that killed 27 people early this morning.
National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch said investigators had yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, but preliminary findings pointed to several factors that may have worsened the tragedy, including blocked emergency exits, flammable interior materials, and possible electrical faults.
“A preliminary inspection found that the single-storey premises had two main entrances at the front and two exits at the rear.”
“However, a table selling confectionery was found blocking a doorway near the women's toilet, while another emergency exit near the bar was partially obstructed by shelving units and lockers, narrowing the passage to allow only one person through at a time," he said in a statement today.
Kittharath added that evidence indicated that many victims were found in or near the male and female toilets, where investigators believe some patrons, unable to locate a safe escape route amid the thick smoke, had mistakenly entered to seek refuge or find water before becoming trapped.
The police are also investigating whether one of the emergency exit doors had been locked.
“If an emergency exit was found to have been inaccessible during the fire, it could constitute evidence of criminal negligence,” he said.
Investigators will question the business owner, partners, managers, employees, kitchen staff, and contractors involved in the building's renovation and interior works to establish the cause of the fire and determine responsibility.
Authorities will also investigate reports from musicians who had previously complained about frequent power fluctuations at the premises to determine whether an overloaded electrical system contributed to the fire.
Forensic experts had been instructed to examine the building's electrical system, wiring, ceiling, and electrical cut-out system.
Kittharath noted that it would take another two to three days to remove the collapsed stage structure and ceiling before forensic officers could carry out a comprehensive examination of the suspected point of origin.
The police are investigating the case on suspicion of causing death and injury by negligence. The blaze also injured more than 70 people, with 25 remaining in intensive care.
