WATCH VIDEO: Massive Bangkok Bar Fire Kills 27, Sends Panicked Crowds Running

The fire erupted late Sunday night at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, overwhelming firefighters who arrived to find the venue engulfed

At least 27 people have been killed after a fire tore through a popular entertainment venue in the Thai capital, Bangkok, according to local media. The blaze broke out at about 23:57 local time on Sunday at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a bar in the city’s Chatuchak district.

Firefighters arriving at the scene found the building engulfed in flames. Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at the scene that 27 people died and several have been taken to the hospital. Anutin said a musician who was performing at the pub told him that he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker near the stage before the power went out, then an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the place.

Emergency crews initially located one person with burn injuries before discovering that a number of people were trapped inside the venue. According to Thai news outlet MGR Online, preliminary investigations indicate that 27 people died, with most of the victims found in the venue’s toilets.

Local media reported that several people had fled to the restrooms in an apparent attempt to escape the fire. Dozens of other people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, according to the reports. Video shared by Thailand’s Fire & Rescue service appeared to show smoke billowing from the entrance to the building before flames rapidly spread through the venue, prompting people outside to run to safety.

Footage from after the fire showed the interior of the bar badly damaged, with charred furniture and debris scattered throughout the building. Several injured people could also be seen receiving treatment outside the venue.

Firefighters from the Phaholyothin, Phaya Thai and Huai Khwang fire stations responded to the blaze, using three water hoses to bring it under control. Firefighters took about half an hour to bring the fire under control. Photos of the aftermath show charred tables and chairs, and the damaged interior of the pub.

Officials said it took around 35 minutes to extinguish the fire. Search and rescue operations are continuing as emergency teams work to locate any remaining survivors.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.