Death toll from Bangkok pub fire rises to 32

The death toll from a fire at a pub in Bangkok has risen to 32, authorities in the Chatuchak district announced on Wednesday. Two more people, who were previously in a critical condition due to injuries sustained in the fire, died in hospital. This brings the total number of fatalities to 32, while 73 others were injured, 15 of whom remain in a serious or critical condition. The Chatuchak District Authority also stated that 38 people who had been hospitalised with minor injuries have been discharged. Earlier, media reports had put the death toll at 30, with 75 others injured in the Chatuchak blaze. The flames rapidly engulfed the entire single-storey building, burning it to the ground. Firefighters arrived at the scene and began extinguishing the fire within seven minutes of it breaking out. Based on initial police investigation findings announced on Tuesday, the fire is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioning unit installed in the ceiling above the stage where musicians were performing. The flames are believed to have spread quickly due to the use of flammable materials in the soundproofing system when the building was converted into a restaurant with live music.