At least 27 people have died after a fire tore through a crowded bar in Bangkok, where witnesses said the lights went out moments before thick smoke filled the venue and many patrons fled into toilets that had no emergency exit, Thai authorities said.
The blaze broke out shortly before midnight on Sunday at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a popular live music venue in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Firefighters brought the flames under control in about 35 minutes, but officials said 63 people were injured and at least eight remained in a critical condition in hospital. Preliminary findings suggest many of those who died succumbed to smoke inhalation.
