Death toll from Bangkok pub fire rises to 32

The number of people killed in a fire at a pub in Bangkok has risen to 32, according to the authorities of Chatuchak district, Bangkok, on Wednesday.

“Two more people, who were previously in critical condition due to injuries sustained in the fire, have died in hospital. The death toll now stands at 32, while 73 others were injured, 15 of whom remain in serious or critical condition,” the local authorities said in a statement.

The Chatuchak district authorities also said that 38 people who had been treated in hospital for minor injuries have been allowed to return home.

Earlier, the media reported that 30 people had been killed and 75 others injured in the fire at Chatuchak.

The flames quickly engulfed the single-storey building, burning it to the ground. Firefighters arrived at the scene and began extinguishing the blaze within seven minutes of the fire breaking out.

According to preliminary police findings announced on Tuesday (14 July), the fire is believed to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioning unit installed in the ceiling above the stage where the musicians performed.

The flames are thought to have spread rapidly because flammable materials were used in the soundproofing system when the building was converted into a restaurant with live music performances.