At least 27 people were killed in a major fire that broke out late Monday night at one of Bangkok’s popular bars, The Daily News reports.

Several other injured victims have been hospitalized, said Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who arrived at the scene of the tragedy.

According to rescue workers, the fire started shortly before midnight. Eyewitnesses said the flames rapidly engulfed the building, while patrons tried to escape through the main entrance.

According to the prime minister, a musician performing at the bar at the time of the incident said the fire began near the electrical panel. An explosion then occurred, after which smoke and flames quickly filled the venue.

“Many could not get out. They ran to the back of the building and tried to shelter from the smoke and flames in the restrooms. That is where we found most of the victims,” Charnvirakul said.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. After the fire was extinguished, completely burned-out rooms with a collapsed ceiling were found inside the building.

According to local media, several people are still considered missing. The cause of the fire is being established, and an investigation is underway.