At least 27 people were killed and 63 others were injured by a massive fire at a pub in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, late Sunday night.

The tragedy began at Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall on Lat Phrao Road near Soi Lat Phrao 1 Road at 11.57pm on Sunday, when many customers were inside. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about half an hour, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

The fire killed 27 people and injured 63 others. The dead victims comprised nine men and 18 women. Of the 63 injured, 22 were in serious condition. The injured were taken to 16 hospitals.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt and DDPM director-general Teerapat Kachamat were among senior officials at the scene.

Mr Anutin, also the interior minister, said most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation. He quoted musicians at the pub as saying that the fire started at a circuit breaker on the stage,  followed by a blackout and an explosion.

Source: bangkokpost.com