Police: Fire Exit Blocked, Narrow Passage Slowed Evacuation
A blocked women's restroom exit and a dangerously narrow emergency passage hampered evacuations from a Bangkok beer bar fire that killed 27 people on July 13, police revealed. Investigators are examining whether poor safety design and struc
On July 13, 2025, National Police Commissioner General Kittarat Pandhepetch visited the Ladprao beer bar fire scene, revealing 27 deaths currently held at the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine awaiting identification. Relatives can report information at the MET Center, Phahol Police Station, or the National Police Operations Center. Some injured have returned home, and investigators are coordinating with hospitals to interview survivors. The bar owner remains hospitalized in ICU. The commissioner disclosed that the single-story venue had two front exits and two rear exits. The women's restroom exit was blocked by a toffee display table, while another exit marked "Emergency Exit" leading from the bar area through the kitchen had a missing door handle and a sliding door narrowed by shelving and lockers, permitting only one person at a time to pass. Investigators are examining whether poor evacuation design or rapid fire spread resulted from structural alterations or blocked exits. Heavy decorations above the stage and potential flammable materials used in renovations are also under investigation. The working theory focuses on negligence. Police have tasked the Forensic Police Division to inspect electrical wiring, circuit breakers, and safety systems in the 53-year-old building, and to verify all construction permits and modifications under previous operators. Rescue and fire personnel who responded will be interviewed to confirm reports of locked doors during the incident.
