Bangkok: Victims of the devastating fire at "Na Ladprao Brewery" have come forward, insisting that there were no fire alarms during the incident and crediting their survival to the quick-thinking security guards who used flashlights to guide them to safety.
According to Thai News Agency, one of the injured victims, Mr. Nattapong Lakorn, filed a report at Phaholyothin Police Station. He recounted that around midnight, he noticed white smoke, initially mistaking it for a performance effect, until sparks and the smell of burning alerted him to the danger. He confirmed that the sprinkler system did not activate and there was no fire alarm. With the assistance of two security guards shining flashlights, he managed to escape through the back door.
At the same police station, Mr. Nattapong detailed his experience, explaining that he arrived at the venue around 10:30 PM and sat near the stage entrance. The night seemed normal until he noticed the smoke, which quickly turned into a life-threatening situation. As he tried to flee, he encountered panic among patrons, with one person grabbing his leg, but he managed to escape to safety.
The victim emphasized that he never heard any fire alarms, only the shouts of "Fire!" from others. The sprinkler system also failed to activate, forcing those inside to rely on the security guards to guide them out. Mr. Nattapong, unfamiliar with the venue, relied heavily on the guidance of the guards to find the exit. Tragically, one of his friends, Mr. Sittipong Chaiyo, did not survive the fire.
Mr. Nattapong provided a video recording from half an hour before the incident, showing no initial signs of smoke or danger. He sustained injuries to his forehead and ears, receiving treatment at Phetchawet Hospital using his social security benefits. His police report aims to assist investigators in understanding the sequence of events leading to the fire.
A meeting was held this morning to discuss the progress of the investigation into the fire, which resulted in numerous casualties. Police Major General Kiatikul Sonthinern, along with the investigative team and related agencies, reviewed the case. They interviewed 52 individuals, including business personnel, employees, relatives, and two officials who examined the scene. The investigation will continue with expert consultations and analysis of footage from 16 CCTV cameras, expedited after receiving the server from forensic investigators.