At Least 27 Killed, 63 Injured in Bangkok Café Fire

At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured after a fire swept through a crowded café in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, late Sunday, authorities said. Officials warned the death toll could rise, with 22 of the injured reported to be in critical condition. The fire broke out shortly before midnight on Sunday, July 12, engulfing the café and prompting a major emergency response. Firefighters spent several hours battling the blaze while rescue teams searched the building for survivors and recovered victims trapped inside. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, said thick smoke spread rapidly throughout the building, leaving many customers with little time to escape. According to Anutin, several patrons attempted to flee toward the rear of the café after the fire erupted but were unable to find a safe exit. He said 22 injured people remained in critical condition and were receiving treatment at hospitals across Bangkok. Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of Bangkok’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said rescue workers recovered 27 bodies from the building while 63 injured people were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims, and officials said the casualty figures could change as search and recovery operations continue. Thai police and forensic investigators have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities said investigators are examining the scene to establish how the blaze started and whether any violations of fire safety regulations contributed to the high number of casualties. Officials have not said whether the building was equipped with functioning fire alarms, emergency exits or other required safety systems. Investigators are expected to assess the property’s compliance with Thailand’s building and fire safety regulations as part of the inquiry. Television footage and images shared by local media showed firefighters battling intense flames while emergency medical teams treated injured victims outside the building. Police cordoned off the area as forensic teams collected evidence and assessed the structural safety of the damaged property. Thailand has experienced several deadly fires in entertainment venues and commercial buildings over the past two decades, prompting repeated calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations and improved inspections of public venues. However, investigators have not indicated whether similar factors played a role in the Bangkok café fire. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and pledged to determine the cause of the blaze while providing assistance to victims and their families. The post At Least 27 Killed, 63 Injured in Bangkok Café Fire appeared first on Khaama Press.