Relatives of the victims of the Mountain B pub fire are seeking legal action against state officials for dereliction of duty after the news that the incident’s death toll had risen to 25.
On Tuesday, attorney Ronnarong Kaewphet met with representatives of 31 families at the Central Investigation Bureau’s Complaint Center. The group submitted a letter to Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) commander, demanding action against state officials in regards to dereliction of duty and other related crimes.
The deputy chief in charge of the investigation at ACD sub-division 1, Pol Lt Col Prasarn Fuekfon, was the high-ranking official who was given the letter, the lawyer revealed.
The fire at the Mountain B pub on August 5 killed many people and left others seriously injured. According to Mr. Kaewphet, legal action is ongoing against the pub’s owner for recklessness causing the deaths, and operating the venue without the required permits.
The case is currently in the hands of public prosecutors. However, the attorney said in a statement: “There has been no investigation into the actions of state officials who were responsible for the tragedy by being negligent and failing to inspect the building.”
State officials also failed to verify that the venue had the necessary fire prevention and mitigation equipment to ensure all aspects of running the pub complied with the law.
Mr. Ronnarong said that the Mountain B inferno had horrified the public, and families affected hoped that the ACD would take action regarding any negligence by officials.
ACD police investigators have promised to explain all of the details of the case to their commander, the attorney also revealed to reporters through his lengthy statement.
The demands from the families came after a 26-year-old man from Rayong province was pronounced dead following 72 days of treatment for severe burns suffered in the fire. Parichat Kwanyuenyong became the 25th person to pass away from the incident.
On August 5, a fire broke out in the Mountain B pub in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri. Thirteen people died at the scene, trapped inside as flames ripped through the building.
Many were seriously injured, including twelve who have died from burns since the fire. Others are continuing to receive ongoing treatment for a range of life-changing injuries.
The entertainment venue being operated without a permit, and there had been highly flammable soundproofing material used on the premises. One exit was blocked.
Domyos Panprasong, the 50-year-old pub owner, has been charged with recklessness causing injuries and death, and opening an entertainment venue without a license.
