Fire destroys 120 market stalls

Mao Chanvireak / Khmer Times/ July 21, 2021

A massive fire broke out at Kep’s White Horse market which destroyed at least 120 stalls in O’Krasar commune, Kep city, Kep province.

Firemen in eight fire trucks took more than two hours to bring the raging flames which started about 6 pm on Monday under control. Even people who were in the vicinity helped by collecting water from a nearby pond to pour into the flames.

Kep city governor Tith Sokha told Khmer Times that the fire, which was sparked by a short circuit,  gutted almost all of the market with the fire spreading quickly from one stall to another and ripping everything apart from the market roof to the pillars.

Realising the extend of the damage, the Cambodian Red Cross team moved in together with the relevant authorities to help out the traders and also to provide emergency aid and relief supplies.

Sokha said he has yet to ascertain the extent of the damage and the loss incurred as the authorities concerned are still collecting reports and information from each stall owner.

“It’s very unfortunate that the fire broke out at this market,” he added.

Kep City deputy governor Leng Sokhom said  that it was fortunate that the fire broke out when most of the traders had already closed their businesses and returned home.

“This is the first time a fire broke out in a market in Kep province,” said Sokhom, adding that it was so sad to see the whole market razed to the ground and all the vendors incurring heavy losses.