Bangkok nightclub fire exits reportedly locked to prevent customers from escaping their bills
The owner of a nightclub in Bangkok was accused of locking a fire exit in order to collect payment from customers trying to escape during the fire last night, July 12. Officials have not confirmed this claim, which is circulating on social media.
The blaze broke out at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao nightclub near Lat Phrao Intersection at around midnight, prompting firefighters and rescuers from several areas across Bangkok to rush to the scene.
The footage shared by witnesses showed that the situation was critical, with the premises covered in smoke. One of the videos showed a large fire at the main entrance to the nightclub.
Following the information shared by Bangkok Governor Chadchat Sittipunt, 90 people were inside the scene during the incident, and 27 of them were found dead at the scene. The rest of the people were injured, with 22 in critical condition.
Investigation into the identities of the deceased continues. KhaoSod reported this morning, July 13, that 10 deceased were successfully identified.
Chadchat revealed further that obstacles were found at both fire exits of the nightclub. At one fire exit, officials found a table set up to sell candies to partygoers blocking the exit. Most of the dead bodies were found at both fire exits.
Chadchat revealed further that the latest inspection at the nightclub occurred in April, and the business was found to be following the laws and safety guidelines. Unfortunately, the actual practices found after the fire were different.
Following the information about the fire exits, it was circulated on social media that the fire exit designed for customers was always locked, reportedly to prevent customers from escaping their bills.
The renowned Thai journalist from KhaoSod, Thanyalak “Nutty” Wannakote, shared a video on her Facebook account stating that she also heard information from a rescuer at the scene that the owner of the nightclub locked the fire exit and collected payment from customers during the fire.
Nutty emphasised that the information has not yet been confirmed by any officials. She added that she is looking forward to the confirmation of the information and believes that the public also waited for clarification.
Following the report on KhaoSod, the nightclub owner, whose name remains undisclosed, was also injured in the incident and remains under treatment at a hospital.
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