BANGKOK (AP) — Hundreds of caged animals died Tuesday after a fire ripped through the Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Thailand’s capital.
The fire was reported early in the morning and quickly engulfed more than 100 stores in the pet section of the market, according to the Bangkok government.
Officials said it took them about an hour to bring the fire under control. There are no reports of human casualties, but Thai media reports suggested the fire killed several hundred animals, including puppies, fish, snakes, birds and rabbits, kept in cages and locked inside the shops.
The cause of the fire is being investigated, said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who visited the scene after the fire was put out. Authorities could be seen at the scene in the morning, inspecting charred stores or breaking down metal gates to remove animals that survived the fire.
Authorities said they are still working to estimate the cost of the damage and that affected store owners can register for compensation.
The sprawling weekend market is a major tourist attraction, attracting shoppers from around the world to visit its hundreds of shops and stalls in search of items ranging from food and drink to clothing, furniture, plants, books and pets.
Wildlife organizations have frequently accused some sellers of involvement in trafficking rare and endangered species such as turtles, tortoises and birds.
