ALBAWABA - Pattaya, the renowned tourist destination in Thailand, witnessed a devastating fire at its beloved floating market yesterday evening around 7:00 PM local time.
The situation posed a significant challenge for the firefighters who had to grapple with the unique layout of the market – perched on the water and connected by wooden walkways.
With the combined efforts of 20 firefighting vehicles, the inferno was finally brought under control after an intense hour-long battle. Unfortunately, one person fell victim to the smoke and had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses recounted the fire's swift progression, which originated in the market's central area and rapidly spread to other sections, further fueled by strong winds.
During the chaotic blaze, some vendors desperately tried to salvage their belongings, while a few terrified individuals resorted to leaping into the water to evade the encroaching flames. Tragically, the wooden structures comprising a significant portion of the market were ultimately reduced to mere ashes by the ferocious fire.
Following the harrowing incident, Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet of Pattaya conducted an on-site inspection and, in a press briefing, assured reporters that no lives were lost in the calamity.
However, he did confirm that the financial toll of the fire was substantial, estimating the damages at approximately 50 million Baht (equivalent to around 1,408,570.00 United States Dollar). In response to the catastrophe, authorities promptly sealed off the floating market and launched an investigation into the incident.
