The tragic fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok has left the nation in shock, with the death toll reaching 30 and over 70 people injured. As investigations unfold, disturbing details about the venue’s safety measures have come to light, raising serious concerns about negligence and regulatory oversight.
The blaze, which erupted late on Sunday, was initially attributed to a short circuit in an air conditioner. However, survivors and experts have pointed to a series of alarming factors that exacerbated the tragedy. The bar’s dimly lit interior, poorly marked exits, and the use of highly flammable materials in decorations have all been cited as critical issues.
Critical Safety Failures Exposed
Busakorn Saensuk a fire safety expert from the Engineering Institute of Thailand highlighted several grave safety failures. The door near the restrooms was found to be locked, while the two entrance doors were obstructed by furniture. This configuration led patrons to instinctively flee towards the back of the bar, only to find themselves trapped.
“If the emergency signs were lit, people would have been able to see how the door was locked and may have been able to unlock it,” Busakorn explained. The stage, adorned with plastic flowers and combustible foam on the ceiling, quickly became engulfed in flames, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire.
The Toxic Impact of Flammable Materials
Worsak Kanok Nukulchai a professor specializing in structural engineering, emphasized the deadly impact of the materials used in the bar’s construction. The initial flames reacted with these materials to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide often referred to as the “toxic twins” of fire smoke. Many victims likely succumbed to these toxic fumes before being burned.
The bar was registered as a “restaurant with live music” rather than an “entertainment venue,” exempting it from the requirement to use fire-retardant materials. This regulatory loophole has sparked calls for a comprehensive review of safety standards.
A History of Negligence
Adding to the controversy, it has been revealed that the owner of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao previously owned another pub in Yasothon province that was also destroyed by fire in December 2019. Fortunately, the earlier incident occurred during the day and resulted in no casualties. However, this history raises questions about the owner’s commitment to safety measures.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is currently reviewing regulations governing the materials allowed in the construction and decoration of entertainment venues and restaurants. This tragedy has underscored the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols to prevent future disasters.
The loss of two members of the Thai indie band Thotsakan who were performing at the time of the fire, has added a poignant dimension to the tragedy. As the nation mourns, the investigation into the fire continues, with a focus on holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.
