27 dead in Bangkok bar fire; Thai PM confirms investigation underway

At least 27 people have been killed in a fire that swept through a bar in Bangkok, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on the scene.

Firefighters responded to the blaze just after midnight on Friday, finding patrons fleeing through the flame-engulfed front entrance of the venue, which was packed at the time.

Prime Minister Anutin told reporters that 27 people had died and several others were taken to hospital. He stressed that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.

The prime minister said he spoke to a musician who was performing when the fire broke out. According to the musician, the fire started at a cut-out switch and spread rapidly. There was a blast, and everyone tried to escape the smoke and flames.

"Many of them were not able to make their way out because they went to the back of the building and tried to hide themselves from the smoke and flames in the toilet, and that's where we found most of the bodies," Charnvirakul said.

The bar, locally known as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, is a popular entertainment venue and restaurant in the Chatuchak District, according to Thai outlet Daily News.

Firefighters brought the fire under control within about half an hour. Images taken inside after the blaze show the interior completely charred and blackened, with the ceiling peeling off.

Several people remain missing following the disaster, Thai outlet Thairath reported. Personnel from Sutthisan Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene at 12:02 a.m. local time.

Unverified reports indicate that a driver passing by saw the fire break out around 11:30 p.m. local time. He told Daily News that he jumped out of his car and broke windows to help two people escape.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.