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A devastating and tragic incident unfolded early Tuesday morning in Bangkok's bustling and vibrant Chatuchak animal market, where a ferocious fire erupted, causing extensive damage to a significant portion of the Sri Somrat market area. The blaze, first reported around 4:10 a.m. local time, quickly spread through 118 shops that housed various live animals and aquatic species, renowned for their diversity and exotic nature.

Chatuchak's administrative office reported that firefighting teams responded swiftly, managing to contain the inferno within less than 30 minutes of its outbreak. Despite their efforts, the damage was extensive, encompassing an estimated 1,400 square meters (approximately 15,000 square feet) of market space.

While authorities confirmed that there were no human casualties, concerns mounted over the fate of countless animals caught in the path of the fire. Dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, birds, fish, and chickens were among the creatures affected, with many perishing due to the intensity of the blaze or succumbing to smoke inhalation.

Natthanicha K, a distraught owner of one of the affected pet shops, shared a heart-wrenching account of losing her entire collection of 400 exotic snakes. She emphasized that the snakes, valued at approximately 5 million Thai Baht ($136,000), did not survive the suffocating smoke that permeated the market during the fire.

Emergency responders and firefighters descended upon the scene swiftly, their efforts documented in photos and videos that circulated widely. The images depicted a coordinated effort to extinguish the flames and secure the area, highlighting the dedication of those involved in managing the aftermath of the tragedy.

As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the local community and animal welfare advocates mourned the loss of life and livelihoods, underscoring the impact of the incident on both animal owners and the broader community that frequented the market. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of densely populated marketplaces and the importance of fire safety protocols in such environments.