BANGKOK: Over 1,000 exotic animals, reptiles, and pets died in a Bangkok market fire. The blaze destroyed over a hundred shops.
The blaze destroyed approximately 1,300 sq m of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported over 1,000 animal deaths.
Police Superintendent Phuwadon Ounpho reported 118 shops burned down. Initial findings suggest the fire stemmed from an electrical fault.
Firefighters and rescue workers on Tuesday picked through carcasses, mangled cages, blackened walls and collapsed metal shop roofs. A medic treated a chicken near the smouldering ruins of one row of shops, according to a Reuters witness.
“I’m shock. I feel like crying, but there are no tears,” Siamese fighting fish shop owner Suwannee Sangdee, 49, who fears her small establishment has been left in ruins and all her precious fish dead.
“Now I have to think about what’s next.”
The Chatuchak market is best-known for its packed shops for fashion, accessories and exotic animals attracting thousands of visitors each weekend. The market is a top tourist draw but also a popular shopping destination for locals
In the wake of the Bangkok fire animals incident, the community came together to mourn the loss and support recovery efforts.
Additionally, discussions began on ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities pledged to conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the fire and hold accountable those responsible.
Moreover, efforts were made to provide assistance and support to affected vendors and businesses.
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