BANGKOK, July 16 — Victims of the deadly fire at a bar in Bangkok's Lat Phrao district died from inhaling toxic gases rather than burns, said the Thai police today.
"None of the victims died directly from the flames; they died from asphyxiation after inhaling toxic gases. Carbon monoxide and cyanide were detected in their bodies," Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Sayam Boonsom told the media.
Inhalation of carbon monoxide and cyanide prevents the body's tissues from absorbing oxygen and can prove fatal within minutes.
He added that forensic officers had completed their examination of the scene, while investigations continue, focusing on possible electrical faults and safety violations, such as unauthorised building modifications and blocked emergency exits, as the cause of the blaze.
No charges have been filed yet, but the police are preparing to pursue several offences, including causing death and injury through negligence, carrying out unauthorised building alterations, and negligently causing a fire.
The police are also looking at possible breaches of laws governing entertainment venues and whether the premises had operated beyond the scope of its licence.
Sayam noted that the investigators had so far questioned more than 106 witnesses.
The fire, which broke out at the entertainment outlet shortly after midnight on Monday (July 13), killed 33 people and injured over 70 others. As of today, 14 people are still receiving intensive care, while 44 have been discharged.
