India, July 13 -- At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured, including 22 in critical condition, after a massive fire ripped through a crowded bar in Thailand's capital Bangkok, authorities said.

The blaze broke out late at night at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in northern Bangkok. Firefighters brought the fire under control within a short time, but many patrons were trapped inside the building as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly.

According to Thai officials, several victims were found near the bar's restrooms after apparently trying to escape the fire. Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze may have started due to an electrical short circuit in a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit, although the exact cause re...