Cambodia: Massive blaze guts Phnom Penh’s ‘Old Market’

Monday morning’s fire blazes out of control at Phsar Chas market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Image from John Vink’s YouTube channel.

Cambodia: Massive blaze guts Phnom Penh’s ‘Old Market’

Asian Correspondent | 24 November 2014

Monday morning’s fire blazes out of control at Phsar Chas market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Image from John Vink’s YouTube channel.

An early morning fire broke out in Phnom Penh’s Phsar Chas market early Monday, destroying an estimated 70 percent of its 900 stalls.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but the Cambodia Herald reported that an explosion – possibly a gas tank – was heard as vendors were setting up their stalls around 6am. The fire was brought under control by around 9.30am.

Phsar Chas – which translates to ‘Old Market’ – is located in the Daun Penh district of the Cambodian capital.

This dramatic footage – posted by photographer John Vink (@vinkjohn) on YouTube – shows the extent of the blaze and firefighters’ attempts to control it. He has also posted a gallery on his website.