Thailand Nightclub Fire Reportedly Kills At Least 14, Scores Injured

At least 14 people are dead while about 40 were left injured on Friday, Aug. 5, after a nightclub in Chonburi province in south-eastern Thailand caught fire.

According to police, a fire broke out at around 1:00 a.m. local time at the Mountan B nightspot in Sattahip district via a report from BBC.com.

Footage of the horrific scene was captured, including that of people trying to flee the place with their clothes on fire.

As of this writing, it remains clear how the fire started. However according to rescuers, flammable material on the walls may have exacerbated the situation.

Firefighters battled the fire for more than two hours before it was under control. It started during a live music performance at the venue according to the mother of one of the performers who reportedly died from the blaze.

The bodies of the victims were mostly found near the entrance and in the bathrooms. There were also bodies found near the DJ booth.

According to a report by BBC, most of those who died are believed to be Thai nationals.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered an immediate investigation into the fire and promised the family of the victims that they will receive assistance from authorities.

Also as a result of the incident, he has urged other establishments to be more aware by ensuring that they had proper emergency exits and safety measures in place.

It was added that the nightclub was previously a restaurant. However, it appears that the Mountain B nightspot was operating illegaly.

This is the latest deadly fire that broke out in Thailand. In 2009, more than 60 people died in Bangkok after a fire spread at the Santika Club in the early hours of New Year's Day. Two men, including the owner of the club, were jailed in 2011.