Death toll from a Bangkok music bar fire rises to 30 : NPR

Key Points:

• The death toll from a fire at Bangkok's Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar has risen to 30, with over 70 injured and 24 in critical condition, marking the city's deadliest bar fire in 17 years.
• The blaze occurred late Sunday, trapping many victims in windowless bathrooms, and firefighters took 30 minutes to control the fire.
• Authorities are investigating the cause and safety compliance of the bar, which was licensed as a restaurant with live music rather than an entertainment venue, potentially exempting it from stricter fire safety regulations.
• Bangkok's governor has ordered a comprehensive safety survey of similar establishments and promised stricter enforcement of fire safety laws citywide.
• Observers noted the bar's enclosed design, low ceilings, possible use of untreated foam decorations, and poor ventilation likely contributed to the rapid spread of toxic smoke, which may have caused many deaths.