Pub fire in Bangkok

The shortcomings at the pub are similar to other fires: “Don’t teach us”

Blocked emergency exits, flammable foam on the ceiling and no sprinklers. These are some of the shortcomings that have emerged after the pub fire in Bangkok that has so far claimed 32 lives, writes the New York Times.

It is still not determined what caused the fire, but the shortcomings in the venue are reminiscent of other deadly fires in nightclubs and bars around the world. Most recently on New Year’s Eve in the Swiss Alpine village of Crans-Montana, where flammable foam on the ceiling contributed to a violent fire.

– The lessons from these fires should be learned, but they are not, says fire investigator Richard Meier.

Survivors have testified that beer crates and tables stood in the way of the emergency exits and that the venue was “like a labyrinth”.

Death toll rises further – over 20 seriously injured

The death toll from a pub fire in Bangkok this weekend has risen to 32, after two more victims died of their injuries in hospital, writes AP.

More than 70 people are injured, of whom 24 are in critical condition, according to local authorities.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but the number of victims is believed to have been exacerbated by shortcomings in the premises – such as blocked emergency exits and flammable foam on the ceiling.