Witnesses recall how a deadly inferno erupted at a 'maze-like' bar in Bangkok

Image source, EPA Image caption, The tragic blaze on Monday has reinforced calls for authorities to strengthen fire safety standards By Panisa Aemocha , Reporting from Bangkok , Paweena Ninbut , Reporting from Bangkok  and  Kelly Ng , Reporting from Singapore Published 7 minutes ago Thai indie band Thotsakan was performing at a packed bar in Bangkok on Sunday when band manager Ice Athipat Wijarn, seated off stage, saw smoke emerging from behind the keyboardist. The keyboardist, Kwang, shouted for people to flee - and within seconds a fierce blaze tore through Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, in the city's vibrant Chatuchak district. Ice recalls fumbling with the door in the smoke-engulfed room as he tried to escape. Then something exploded, throwing him out of the bar. The blaze killed at least 27 people and left dozens more injured, authorities confirmed on Monday. Kwang, along with Thotsakan's female singer Breeze and drummer Bew, died after succumbing to their injuries, according to a Facebook post from another band member, Patchara Songphatkaew. The whereabouts of Din, a male singer, is still unclear. "Maybe a miracle will happen," Patchara wrote. "Let's pray things turn out well." Thotsakan's lead singer Tik Chaichana managed to escape unscathed only because he went to the washroom moments before the fire broke out, Thai media reported. Videos online showed him sobbing as he ran out of the burning bar. "I'm safe, thank you everyone for your concern. But my phone and all my belongings burned... My mind is truly not okay right now," Tik wrote in a Facebook post. Image source, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Image caption, Thotsakan was performing on stage when the fire broke out and quickly engulfed the bar Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, like many bars and pubs along the same street, was popular with locals. At the time of writing only one foreigner, a Laotian, has been identified among those who died. Footage posted online showed panicked customers screaming as they fled – some with their clothes on fire – through the flaming front door. More than 60 people are now being treated in hospital, eight of whom are critically injured, Thai authorities say. Several residents in the area described being stunned by the scale of the blaze. "I saw [firefighters] trying to extinguish the flames almost everywhere," said Titi Liewcha, who lives across the street from the bar. "I saw ambulances and rescue vehicles everywhere. I didn't know what to do. I just sat there stunned for a while." Titi and Sirinya, who also lives nearby, told BBC Thai they initially feared that the fire would spread towards their homes. "This is the first time I've seen such a major fire," Sirinya said. At least 27 killed, 22 critically injured after fire engulfs Bangkok bar Published 3 hours ago Watch: At the scene where Bangkok's deadly bar fire unfolded Published 4 hours ago Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters were able to bring the flames under control in about half an hour.