A fire broke out at a bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak District at midnight on the 13th, resulting in 33 deaths. After completing autopsies on all 33 victims, forensic doctors stated that the majority died from inhaling thick smoke.
According to AFP, Director of Thailand’s Institute of Forensic Medicine, Wirun, said on the 17th that autopsy results show that 27 victims died from carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning after inhaling smoke.
He said these gases were produced by the fire, “After inhalation, they hinder oxygen transport to the blood, which then leads to death.”
“If inhaled in large quantities, it can be fatal within four minutes.”
Wirun pointed out that the remaining six victims were sent to the hospital afterwards but died from severe burns.
Authorities state that as of the 17th, the death toll remains at 33, with another 77 injured.
The bar owner was sent to the intensive care unit immediately after the fire, but it is unclear whether he is still receiving treatment in hospital.
A senior police officer said on the 16th that investigators have found evidence showing the venue used high-voltage electricity without approval, which may have been one of the factors leading to the fire.