The death toll from a massive fire that broke out at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday night has risen to 30. The incident is considered the deadliest fire in 17 years. According to witnesses and musicians working at the bar, the power went out moments after smoke was seen coming from a circuit breaker near the stage. A loud explosion followed, and the bar caught fire. Police are investigating the fire as arson. Rescue workers found most of the bodies in the toilet area. Initial investigations showed that there were no clear signs of an emergency exit and the doors were locked. Experts say the bar's decoration used highly flammable materials and the use of foam on the ceiling helped the fire spread quickly. Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet said the incident exposed the bar owner's negligence and disregard for the safety of customers. The bar owner himself was seriously injured and is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

As of Tuesday morning, 27 people had been identified. Of the more than 70 injured, 24 were still in critical condition, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Many people are still at the scene paying their respects to the deceased.

Busakorn Saensuk, a fire safety expert at the Engineering Institute of Thailand, said the emergency door near the toilet was closed and the two entrance doors were partially blocked by furniture and other objects. He inspected the bar after the accident.

'Since the fire was at the front, customers naturally ran to the back in search of a safe exit. "If the emergency signs had lights on, people could see how the door was locked and maybe even open it," Busakorn said.