Fire at Pub In Thailand Killed at Least 13

BANGKOK, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- A fire at a crowded pub in Chonburi province, southeast of the capital Bangkok on Friday morning, killed 13 people and injured more than 35. The fire broke out at about 1 am (local time) at the newly-opened Mountain B bar in Sattahip district of Chonburi. Pol Col Pongsakorn Thitichot from Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Police Hospital in Bangkok said nine men and four women perished in the incident. “The rescue team found 13 charred bodies where 11 have been identified,” he said at a press conference in Bangkok on Friday. He added that the bodies are expected to be brought to Police Hospital in Bangkok later this evening. “Post-mortem would be conducted starting tomorrow (Saturday) to identify the cause of death and ascertain victims’ identity,” he said. Meanwhile, Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police Pol. Maj Gen Atthasit Kitchahan said more than 35 people were injured, with eight of them in critical condition. “Investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing,” he said. Local media reported that the fire began during a live music performance, and panicked party-goers were fleeing through the front door when it spread. Some were seen running out with their clothes on fire. Witnesses said the fire began on the roof, spreading rapidly downwards after the soundproof foam caught fire. More than 20 fire trucks rushed to the scene to contain the blaze, with the fire put out after more than two hours. The single storey night club had only opened for about a month, and is popular among young locals. The blaze is reminiscent of the Santika Pub’s fire in Ekkamai, Bangkok, during New Year’s Eve countdown celebration in 2009. A total of 66 people were killed while 200 were injured in the incident. -- BERNAMA