A fire has broken out at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the Thai capital's most famous markets, killing hundreds of caged animals.
BANGKOK — A fire broke out Tuesday at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the Thai capital's most famous markets, killing hundreds of caged animals.
The Bangkok government said the fire was reported in the early hours of the morning and quickly spread to more than 100 shops in the pet supplies section of the market.
Authorities said it took about an hour to put out the blaze. No injuries were reported, but Thai media reports said the blaze killed hundreds of animals, including puppies, fish, snakes, birds and rabbits that had been kept in cages inside the store.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipant, who toured the scene after the blaze was extinguished, said the cause of the blaze was under investigation. Officials were at the scene in the morning, inspecting charred shops and breaking down metal gates to help remove animals that had escaped the flames.
Officials said they were still estimating the damage and affected shopkeepers could apply for compensation.
The vast weekend market is a major tourist attraction, with shoppers from all over the world visiting hundreds of stores and stalls looking for everything from food and drink to clothes, furniture, plants, books and pets.
Wildlife groups have frequently accused some traders of illegally trafficking rare and endangered species, including turtles, tortoises and birds.
