AT least 27 people have been killed after a raging inferno engulfed a pub in Thailand, trapping dozens of fleeing revellers in the toilets.

Horror footage shows revellers escaping from the flames that engulfed Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in Bangkok at around 11.57pm local time.

Footage shows the flames raging through the venue in Bangkok

The fire broke out just before midnight in the popular entertainment venue

At least 27 people died in the horror blaze, with a further 22 reportedly in critical condition

Tables and chairs are covered in ash in the aftermath

Several firefighting crews rushed to the scene of the blaze at the popular entertainment venue.

Initially, one person was found with burn injuries but officers soon realised dozens more were trapped inside.

“There are more than 27 dead,” said Anwut Pho-ampai of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, which operates a voluntary emergency rescue service.

At least 63 more were injured in the horror blaze and have been taken to nearby hospitals – 22 are in critical condition.

Scattered shoes and stools are seen outside the scene of the deadly fire

Dozens of emergency vehicles swarm the site of the tragedy

A relative of a victim cries outside the burned pub

The PM has confirmed that 27 bodies were recovered from the blaze

Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, was at the scene and explained survivors’ harrowing accounts.

The pub had rapidly filled with smoke after the fire began, forcing panic-stricken victims to run to the back of the venue near the bathrooms, he said.

But there were no fire escapes, leaving many trapped inside as the flames ripped through the building.

Many of the victims were found in the bathrooms, according to authorities.

Members of emergency services outside the pub in the aftermath of the tragedy

Panicked victims reportedly fled to the venue’s toilets for safety but there were no fire exits

Shoes are seen at the pub’s back door

A flower garland is left on a burnt keyboard in the bar

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that the pub had obtained the proper permits and fire exits, but that blocked escape routes hindered evacuation attempts.

He told reporters: “There are two fire exits, one is near the kitchen. There were beer crates in the way.”

Sittipunt said that a table was blocking the second exit

He added authorities are working on identifying victims as many did not carry an ID or were unconscious.

The Prime Minister said that an explosion was heard before smoke filled the venue.

A musician performing at the time had seen smoke coming from a circuit breaker near the stage.

The fire was likely caused by short circuit in an air conditioner, according to the Bangkok  Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

It is also suspected that decorations played a part in the rapid spread of the fire.

Terrifying footage shows the moment the fire broke out onto the street.

A group of people can be seen standing around an outdoor bar when a thick plume of smoke bursts from the entrance to the building.

In seconds, fierce flames erupt through the door sending revellers sprinting away in horror.

The fire rages out from the building, knocking over stools with its sheer force.

Video taken later shows the aftermath of the blaze, with charred chairs and tables covered in ash.

Several people can be seen lying across the road outside as officers attempt to provide emergency care.

Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai said she was performing nearby when she heard news of the fire and rushed to the scene.

Several of her bandmates were performing at the pub – one of them died, three were hospitalised and one was still missing.

She said: “From what I heard from people who were inside, when the fire started everything went dark.

“The power was out and there was smoke everywhere, so they couldn’t locate other people.”

Firefighters from the Phaholyothin, Phaya Thai, and Huai Khwang fire stations battled the inferno with three water hoses.

It took around 35 minutes before the flames were brought under control.

Rescue teams have now begun a frantic search and rescue mission for survivors.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire and are urging friends and family members of people believed to be at the pub during the fire to contact their emergency hotline.

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/news/16680834/horror-fire-thai-bar-kills-trapped/