Bangkok:At least 27 people were killed and 22 others critically injured in a massive fire that tore through a bar in Bangkok, marking the deadliest such incident in Thailand for almost two decades. The fire started near the stage of the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar and restaurant in the popular Chatuchak district, before spreading rapidly and engulfing the room with smoke, eyewitnesses said. 

Footage posted on social media showed panicked customers -- some with their clothes and hair on fire --  screaming as they fled through the flame-enveloped front door of the bar.

Another unverifiable footage, from inside the club, showed massive flames and a plume of thick black smoke filling the space within seconds as people pushed through the exits in panic. "The fire spread very quickly, reaching up to the ceiling.

Smoke was likely the main cause of death," Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told reporters at the scene. He said 27 people were killed and 63 were hospitalised with injuries, including 22 in critical condition, adding that authorities had launched an investigation.It was the deadliest fire in Thailand in over two decades.

'The Blocked Exit'According to the governor, a number of the victims were found near a fire exit that authorities believe may have been blocked.

Source:Ndtv