A series of dramatic, live videos posted online show fire department rescue workers leading to safety those trapped above a famed downtown market where a fire this morning injured at least 15.
Yangon firefighters rescued 85 people including a 92-year-old man as well as a dog during their three-hour battle to bring the blaze at the Than Zay Market in Latha township under control, according to the fire department.
No fatalities were reported, and the flames were put out at about 9am.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the fire department confirmed that shops on the third level were damaged.
High-rise buildings and markets in Yangon are especially prone to fire due to a lack of enforced regulations. Yesterday, three people, including a child, died in a blaze on 97th Street.
In 2016, a major wholesale market was engulfed in flames with an estimated loss of over MMK36 billion (US$27.8 million). In 2017, a luxury hotel burned down, injuring at least two people.
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