Bangkok - A fire that broke out shortly after New Year's Thursday at a popular Bangkok pub killed at least 54 revellers and left 15 other hospitalized with serious injuries, police said.

Thonglor district police deputy chief Sutin Pongkhamphan said many of the victims died trying to get out of the main exit of the Santika Pub on Ekkamai Road.

The fire, the cause of which remains unknown, broke out at 12:20 am local time.

Police said they feared more casualties as they had not yet been able to check the bathrooms of the pub, which was totally destroyed by the blaze. (dpa)