An intense fire that swept through a Bangkok pub in the early hours of Monday has claimed the lives of at least 27 people and left nearly 20 others injured, according to officials. The fire, which occurred at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok’s densely populated Chatuchak district, has sparked an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Authorities received a report of the fire at 12:02 a.m. local time, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said in a statement. Responders from various agencies worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and rescue those trapped inside, with videos of the bar’s entrance showing people screaming and running out of the establishment as flames erupted from the door.

The fire was brought under control by 12:32 a.m., but not before it had caused widespread destruction. Images of the aftermath, posted online by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, show the charred remains of the bar’s interior. A preliminary inspection of the scene found that 27 people had been killed, with the identities of the victims not yet released. The department reported that 18 of the deceased were women, while nine were men.

Of the 18 people injured in the fire, eight were listed as ‘red cases,’ meaning they were either in critical or life-threatening condition. Seven were labeled ‘yellow’ for serious but stable condition, while three were considered ‘green cases’ with minor injuries, according to the department’s update. Forensic investigators are currently examining the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at the scene at approximately 1:30 a.m. and was joined by Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General Teerapat Katchamat and Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt. In a statement to reporters, Anutin said that most of the fatalities were the result of smoke inhalation. He also reported that witnesses had told him that the fire appeared to have started near a circuit breaker on the restaurant’s stage before the facility was plunged into darkness.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has launched an investigation into the blaze, with the goal of identifying the root cause and preventing similar incidents in the future.

In the aftermath of the fire, the Thai government has promised to provide support to the victims and their families. The incident has also raised concerns about fire safety in the country, with many calling for stricter regulations and greater awareness about the importance of fire prevention.

As the investigation into the fire continues, the people of Bangkok are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of the tragedy. The fire has served as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for greater awareness about the risks associated with fires.