Deadly pub fire triggers nationwide probe

Firefighters inspect Rong Beer Na Ladprao after Sunday's deadly blaze. The death toll has increased to 33. (Photo: Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation) The first sign of danger looked like part of the show.Shortly before midnight on July 12, patrons packed inside the Rong Beer Na Ladprao pub watched as white smoke drifted from the ceiling above the stage while a band was playing. Many assumed it was a special effect. Within seconds, black smoke and flames erupted overhead, plunging the crowded venue into darkness and panic. By the time the fire was extinguished, 27 people were dead at the scene. The death toll rose to 33 on Wednesday, with 71 injured, including the venue owner, who is still in ICU. Preliminary autopsy results found that most victims died from smoke inhalation,