The death toll from a devastating fire at a popular bar and restaurant in Thailand’s capital has risen to 30, as grieving families gathered on Tuesday to claim the bodies of loved ones while others continued searching for relatives still unaccounted for.
Read More: Bangkok pub fire leaves at least 27 died, several injured
The blaze erupted late Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok during a live music performance, forcing patrons to flee through thick smoke and flames. Authorities said 75 people were injured in the incident, including 24 who remain in critical condition.
At Bangkok’s Police General Hospital, emotional scenes unfolded as families received the coffins of victims. Many were transported by ambulance to their hometowns for funeral ceremonies.
Nuttakarn “Mint” Sevoy, who came to collect the body of her childhood friend Top Sarobol, said the family was grateful his remains could be identified despite the tragedy. She added that his grandmother was heartbroken, saying it should have been her grandson who attended her funeral, not the other way around.
Another relative, Jarunee Phosawad, travelled from Roi Et province to oversee the cremation of her cousin Kochaporn Sotharat, a single mother whose daughter also underwent DNA testing to confirm her identity.
Meanwhile, some families continued to hope their loved ones had survived. Booyaporn Sermsiri was still searching for her 25-year-old daughter, Jarawee “Cartoon” Sermsiri, who remains missing. After providing a DNA sample, she said she was praying for good news.
Investigators are examining the burned building to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities are investigating whether an electrical fault triggered the blaze and whether blocked emergency exits contributed to the high number of casualties.
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Witnesses reported seeing smoke inside the venue before the lights went out, followed by an explosion and rapidly spreading flames. Survivors and relatives also returned to the destroyed bar on Tuesday to lay flowers, offer prayers and mourn those who lost their lives.