Bangkok: A devastating fire at a brewery in Bangkok's Lat Phrao area has resulted in 27 fatalities and 63 injuries, with 22 individuals sustaining serious injuries. The director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Fire Prevention and Suppression Division confirmed that the blaze was initially sparked by an electrical short circuit.
According to Thai News Agency, the situation was exacerbated by the absence of an automatic fire extinguishing system in the building and the failure to use fire extinguishers. The director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. Suriyachai Raviwan, reported that the fire was brought under control this morning. The area remains cordoned off for further investigation, and the authorities are working to confirm the identities of the victims by locating their relatives.
Efforts to manage the aftermath of the tragedy include the establishment of a joint command center by the director of Chatuchak district and the local police station. This center serves as a point of contact for relatives of the victims. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for forensic examination, while the injured have been taken to 17 different hospitals for treatment.
The building's structure significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. It had two small entrances, and the close arrangement of tables inside facilitated the spread of flammable materials. Many victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, especially those trapped in restrooms. The narrow doorways and lack of a comprehensive fire suppression system, aside from fire extinguishers, hampered escape efforts. The initial cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but it is suspected to have started due to an electrical short circuit.