Vietnam’s market fire in Laos costs estimated US$8 mln in damage
Damage caused by the fire at the Pakse Dao Hong market, a Vietnamese trade centre in the Lao province of Champasak on early May 17, amounted to nearly US$8 million, the Vietnamese Consulate General said, quoting estimated figures of the provincial authorities.
Over 10,000 sqm with hundreds of stalls in the western area of the market were engulfed in flame. More than 200 overseas Vietnamese trading at the market have suffered huge losses from the incident.
The Vietnamese Consulate General in Pakse has held working sessions with local authorities to push for investigations into the fire’s cause and measures to support victims.
The fire broke out at 1am on May 17 in the western part of the market, where goods stocked included textiles, dried products and jewellry.
Chairman of the Champasak Overseas Vietnamese Association Cao Dinh Hanh said the association has provided 500,000 LAK (US$71) for each effected trader in an attempt to help them stabilise their lives and business.
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The fire broke out at 1am on May 17 in the western part of the market, where goods stocked included textiles, dried products and jewellry.
Constructed in 1999 at a cost of US$5 million, the market with 700 stalls opened in 2001.
