BANGKOK — Hundreds of caged animals died Tuesday after a fire struck Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Thailand’s capital. The fire was reported early in the morning and quickly swept across more than 100 shops in the market’s pet section, according to the Bangkok government. Officials said it took them about an hour to bring the fire under control.
The cause of the fire is being investigated, said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who visited the scene after the fire was put out. Officials could be seen at the site in the morning, inspecting the charred shops or breaking metal gates to bring out animals that survived the fire. Officials said they are still working on estimating the cost of damage, and that affected shop owners could register for compensation.