Death toll from Bangkok bar fire rises to 30 as police probe safety lapses

Thai authorities are investigating if negligence was what led to the deadly inferno at a Bangkok bar late on Sunday, as survivors reported doors being locked and the lack of signage demarcating emergency exits.The use of flammable materials as decoration may have facilitated the rapid spread of the fire, which originated near the stage, police say.This "indicates a lack of caution and disregard for the safety of the patrons," Police General Kittiratt Phanphet said on Monday.The blaze has left at least 30 people dead and dozens more injured. First responders found many of the victims in the restrooms at the end of the bar, from where experts believe they tried to flee – but couldn't.Thai News PixThe fire broke out late on Sunday and has left at least 30 people deadAs of Tuesday morning, 27 of the deceased victims have been identified, authorities said. More than 70 people are injured, 24 of them critically.Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze was caused by a short circuit in an air conditioner, which quickly cut power throughout the bar. But several people who had visited the bar earlier have described it as a dark room even in its original state. Phatsara Khamloet, who visited in May, told BBC Thai she had to navigate a "winding route" to reach the bathroom, and noted that the exits were not well marked.