At least 27 people have been killed in a fire that tore through a bar in Bangkok, Thailand's prime minister said. Some reports are suggesting the figures could climb.

Firefighters were called to the venue shortly after midnight on July 13. They found patrons fleeing through the flame-engulfed front entrance according to the BBC.

Footage posted on social media platform X showed flames erupting from what appears to be an Irish bar as people ran outside. Some were screaming, some fell to the ground and at least two appeared to be visibly in flames.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said 27 bodies had been recovered so far and that others had been taken to hospital. The cause of the fire curently remains under investigation.

According to the BBC, local firefighters reportedly brought the blaze under control in about 30 minutes, but the damage had already been done.

Local reports have reported that the dead comprised nine men and 18 women although this is unconfirmed. More than 60 people are being treated in hospital. Others are believed to be missing.

Images from inside the venue showed furniture, walls and ceilings blackened by the fire.

The prime minister said a musician performing when the fire began told him the blaze started at a cut-out switch before spreading rapidly. Explosions followed and patrons attempted to escape through thick smoke and flames. Many instead fled to the rear of the building and sought shelter in the toilets, where most of the bodies were later found.

The venue is in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Thai outlet the Daily News described it as a popular restaurant and entertainment venue.

Images taken after the fire was brought under control showed rows of body bags outside the building and a large police cordon surrounding the site.