Five people were injured when a fire ripped through a popular market in northeast Thailand.
The blaze broke out at the Sam Yaek Thai Rung Market in Khon Kaen on the evening of June 2.
Terrified vendors fled as the inferno rapidly grew, engulfing a large warehouse storing highly flammable goods.
Nearly 20 fire engines were deployed at 6:30 pm local time to evacuate locals and cordon off the market, located near a residential area.
Footage shows black smoke billowing over the market, with intermittent explosions heard as the fire ignited fuel tanks.
Five people, including the market owner and workers, suffered injuries and were rushed to Khon Kaen Hospital, where they were in stable condition.
Witness Rojana Srisongmuang, 53, who runs a food stall opposite the market, said vendors were preparing for business when they heard panicked cries about smoke rising from the centre of the market.
She said: 'When I looked, I saw a huge cloud of smoke and flames. The heat spread across the road and everyone started panicking.'
Noodle shop owner Patiwat Saengtawee, 28, said he initially thought the smoke came from a rubbish fire.
He said: 'The smoke wasn't very big at first. I asked my mother to call the fire department, but before she could, the flames suddenly spread and thick black smoke poured out.'
Officials said the fire was brought under control at 10 pm. However, firefighters were still unable to enter the market due to collapsing debris.
City police chief Police Colonel Yosawat Kaewsubthanynit said firefighters were still at the scene at 9 am today.
He said: 'Two people, a store employee and the warehouse owner, sustained burn injuries to their arms. An investigation is underway to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Initial estimates put the damage at up to 10 million baht, as it was a large warehouse containing many everyday consumer goods, including mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, and linoleum.'
Authorities believe an electric short circuit sparked the blaze, adding further investigation was needed.
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