The number of people killed in a devastating fire at a Bangkok pub has risen to 35, city emergency services confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the Erawan Emergency Medical Centre, 21 people remain hospitalized in the wake of the July 13 blaze, with 12 of those patients still listed in critical condition. An additional 48 people who were hurt in the fire have since been treated and released.
The fire erupted just before midnight at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, quickly engulfing the crowded venue in thick smoke within a matter of minutes, according to previous reports.
Thai police have launched a negligence investigation after it was discovered that emergency exits at the pub had been blocked, trapping patrons inside and preventing them from escaping the flames.
As of Wednesday, police had not responded to requests for comment regarding the status of that investigation. Authorities said on Monday that no charges have been filed yet, citing the fact that the venue’s owner remains hospitalized.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Thai government pledged to strengthen safety regulations, including conducting unannounced inspections of entertainment venues. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that more than 800 venues had been inspected over the past three days, with 56 ordered to shut down temporarily due to safety violations.
