In a devastating incident, a fire broke out at the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand, leading to the death of hundreds of caged animals. The fire was reported in the early hours of Tuesday and quickly spread across over 100 shops in the pet section, according to the Bangkok government.

Authorities have revealed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, as reported by the BBC. It took emergency services approximately an hour to extinguish the flames and bring the situation under control.

While there have been no reports of human casualties, several hundred animals, including puppies, fish, snakes, birds, and rabbits, locked inside the shops were unable to escape and tragically lost their lives. The sight of charred shops and the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives has left a somber atmosphere at the market.

Following the incident, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt paid a visit to the devastated scene and urged the public to assist affected shop owners by accommodating surviving animals. In the morning, officials were seen inspecting the burnt-out shops and liberating the animals that managed to survive the fire by breaking the metal gates.

Authorities are currently working on estimating the total cost of the damage caused by the fire. Shop owners who have been affected by the incident are encouraged to register for compensation.

This unfortunate incident has once again brought attention to the concerns raised by wildlife organizations. In the past, some vendors at Chatuchak Weekend Market have been accused of participating in the trafficking of rare and endangered species. The Wildlife Friends Foundation in Thailand has described the market as a "shame on Bangkok," highlighting the illegal smuggling of animals into the country as an immoral and unnecessary practice.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also issued a statement in response to the fire, emphasizing the urgent need for action. PETA's senior vice-president, Jason Baker, stated, "Animals are not ours to use for our entertainment... PETA urges the Thai government to ensure that this facility, where captive animals suffer, never reopens."

While investigations continue into the extent of the damage and the cause of the electrical short circuit, the tragic loss of lives at Chatuchak Weekend Market has rekindled important discussions about the welfare and protection of animals in Thailand and beyond.