Bangkok pub fire killed at least 27

A huge fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens before firefighters controlled the blaze.

A huge fire engulfed a pub in the northern part of Bangkok early Monday morning.

Fire was shooting violently from the front entrance and massive thick, black smoke was towering into the sky.

Firefighters took about half an hour to bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire was still under investigation. Preliminary checks suggest the fire was likely caused by a short circuit in an air-conditioning unit on the bar's ceiling, with the blaze starting at the front of the pub.

Interior decorations allowed the fire to spread quickly, releasing large amounts of toxic smoke. Inhalation of the smoke is believed to be the primary cause of death.

This woman was looking for her friends, who were performers at the pub. As soon as she knew there was a fire, she tried to contact them but failed. She learned that the power was out when the fire started and smoke was everywhere, making it difficult for rescuers to locate people.

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul noted a musician performing at the pub said he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out. Later an explosion was heard.

ANUSTIN CHARNVIRAKUL, Prime Minister of Thailand: "Many of them were not able to make their way out because they went to the back of the building, trying to hide themselves away from the smokes, the flames, in the toilet."

He also added most of the victims were found at the restrooms at the back of the pub.

A volunteer for BMA disaster prevention department said there was an exit on the left side of the restrooms. But it was locked and there was a sign that read "Staff Only".

Identifications for those who died are underway. Local authorities have set up a coordination and assistance centre for relatives of the victims.