Bangkok pub fire likely caused by air-conditioner short circuit: investigators

Thai authorities said on Monday that a preliminary investigation indicated a short circuit was the likely cause of a deadly fire at a Bangkok pub that killed 27 people and injured dozens more.

According to Bangkok's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, investigators believe the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit in the air-conditioning system mounted to the pub's ceiling. The fire damaged about 164 square meters of the venue, while the exact cause remains under further investigation.

The fire broke out at around 23:57 local time on Sunday at the pub near Lat Phrao Road in Bangkok's Chatuchak district.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that in addition to the deaths, the fire injured 63 others, including 22 who remained in critical condition and required intubation.

Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene early Monday to oversee rescue efforts. He said most of the victims died from smoke inhalation, while the injured had been transferred to hospitals.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze about half an hour after it erupted, but officials said the fire had already spread rapidly throughout the venue before emergency crews arrived.

Authorities have so far formally identified only a small number of the victims. Local media reported that rescue workers also recovered numerous mobile phones from the scene, many of which continued to receive calls from relatives and friends seeking information about their loved ones.

Survivors told local media that they first noticed smoke rising from an electrical distribution box near the stage before the power suddenly went out. An explosion followed, sending thick smoke through the venue and triggering panic among people trying to escape.

Many people reportedly fled toward the rear of the building, where restrooms were located, but witnesses said there was no clearly marked exit in that area.

Thai media reported that the venue was licensed as a restaurant with live music performances and had two emergency exits. Authorities are also investigating whether either exit was accessible when the fire broke out.

Bangkok pub fire likely caused by air-conditioner short circuit: investigators

Wildfires burning west of Athens, Greece, are ravaging forests and homes while unleashing toxic smoke from burned industrial zones, exposing residents to prolonged health risks from airborne particles that persist even after the fires are out.

Heatwave-induced fires are raging across southern Europe and have reached Mandra-Eidyllia, west of Athens. The municipality lies close to Aspropyrgos, one of Greece's major industrial zones. Consequently, the fires can produce dangerously toxic smoke from burnt industrial materials.

Sotiris Lioris, a resident with heart and lung conditions, keeps a mask and medication close at hand. His cardiologist has warned him to stay away from wildfire smoke.

"When it comes to my breathing, I get shortness of breath and tachycardia. And I can also hear the valve," Lioris said.

Wildfires can sweep through dry land, forests, and communities, and sometimes reach factories, warehouses, and recycling sites.

Armodios Drikos, the mayor of Mandra-Eidyllia, is also a cardiologist. Having treated many residents in the area, he is acutely aware of the health dangers posed by these fires.

"A fire, a wildfire, and its consequences do not end when the fire is extinguished. The particles emitted by wildfires burden the atmosphere for many months," Drikos said.

Doctors warn that invisible particles can remain a threat in the air for days, weeks, or even longer.

Greek wildfires leave residents exposed to toxic smoke