Bangkok Music Bar Fire Kills 30, Injures More Than 70

The death toll from a fire at a Bangkok music bar rose to 30 on Tuesday, officials said. More than 70 people were injured, with 24 remaining in critical condition. The blaze broke out late Sunday at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in a northern section of the Thai capital. Firefighters needed half an hour to bring the fire under control.

Most victims were found in windowless bathrooms where they had sought shelter from the flames, police said. An investigation into the cause and whether the bar followed safety regulations is ongoing. A structural engineer told reporters that the enclosed building, low ceilings, and possible use of untreated foam materials may have caused smoke to accumulate quickly.

He said the bar was licensed as a restaurant with live music rather than an entertainment venue, which excluded it from stricter fire safety rules.

Officials have ordered a survey of similar establishments to assess fire risks. The city will also increase enforcement of existing safety laws. Mourners visited the site Tuesday, leaving flowers and handwritten messages in Thai and other languages.

Debris including melted musical instruments and blackened chairs remained on the sidewalk.