BANGKOK: (Bernama) Victims of the deadly fire at a bar in Bangkok's Lat Phrao district died from inhaling toxic gases rather than burns, Thai police said on Thursday (July 16).
"None of the victims died directly from the flames. They died from asphyxiation after inhaling toxic gases. Carbon monoxide and cyanide were detected in their bodies," Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Sayam Boonsom told reporters.
Inhalation of carbon monoxide and cyanide prevents the body's tissues from absorbing oxygen and can prove fatal within minutes.
Sayam said forensic officers had completed their examination of the scene while investigations continue, focusing on possible electrical faults and safety violations such as unauthorised building modifications and blocked emergency exits as the cause of the blaze.
He said no charges had been filed yet, but police were preparing to pursue several offences, including causing death and injury through negligence, carrying out unauthorised building alterations, and negligently causing a fire.
Police were also looking at possible breaches of laws governing entertainment venues and on whether the premises had operated beyond the scope of its licence.
According to him, investigators had so far questioned more than 106 witnesses.
The fire, which broke out at the entertainment outlet shortly after midnight on Monday, killed 33 people and injured over 70 others. As of Thursday, 14 people are still receiving intensive care while 44 have been discharged. - Bernama
