Fire at Bangkok Beer Hall Kills at Least 27, Injures Dozens

A fire at the Na Ladprao beer hall in northern Bangkok killed at least 27 people and injured dozens early Monday, @CBSNews reported. The blaze broke out shortly before midnight Sunday. Firefighters brought it under control in about half an hour.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were taken to hospitals, with 22 in critical condition. Investigators plan to examine ceiling materials and whether emergency exits were obstructed. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul observed a locked exit door with two bolts during his visit.

A musician performing at the bar told him smoke came from a circuit breaker near the stage, followed by an explosion and thick smoke. Many victims were found at the restrooms in the back of the bar. By Monday morning, forensic officers were combing the site for clues amid debris including charred television sets, speakers and an electric guitar.

Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai said one of her bandmates died, three were hospitalized and one has not been located.