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Lao capital's biggest market ablaze

A fire engulfed Lao capital Vientiane 's biggest market, Thong Khan Kham, on March 26.
A fire engulfed Lao capital Vientiane 's biggest market, Thong Khan Kham, on March 26.

One shopkeeper said that the fire broke out from a corner of themarket around 7:40 pm (local time) before spreading quickly. Explosionsalso rocked the market, presumably from cooking gas left.

Firefighting forces controlled the fire after several hours but nearlyall areas in the market were destroyed, said witnesses, adding that not many people were injured in the incident as the market closed justover an hour earlier at 6:30 pm.

The fire also knocked out power in surrounding areas and forced locals to evacuate.

The case is now under investigation.

Thong Khan Kham is one of Vientiane's most renowned marketplaces andsells everything from fresh produce to baskets, clothing and tools.-VNA
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