World
One fireman dies in Chinese market fire in Bucharest
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-27 17:23
 |
Large Medium Small |
BUCHAREST - A fireman was killed while fighting a fire in a Chinese market in the northeastern outskirts of the Romanian capital early Wednesday morning.
 |
|
Commodities salvaged from the fire are placed on the safe area at the Red Dragon Chinese market, the largest of its kind in central and southeastern Europe, on the out skirt of Bucharest, Romania, May 26, 2010. One fireman was killed while putting out the fire. [Photo/Xinhua] |
The fireman was hit and killed by a falling object.
Seven others were injured in the fire, which engulfed two pavilions at the Red Dragon Chinese commercial center, the largest Chinese market in central and southeastern Europe with about 6,000 stores.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties among Chinese citizens or other traders and consumers.
The fire is now under control, but it is not known what started the fire or when it will be completely extinguished. The two pavilions were almost completely destroyed, and a neighboring pavilion was also partly destroyed.
Nearly 2,000 stores in the three pavilions were burnt to ashes.
Damage is estimated at about 40 million euros (US$ 49 million).
Many traders tried to save goods from the stores and boxes piled up in front of the pavilions.
"There are more than 1,000 stores in Dragon 5th and 6th (pavilions), the loss of goods is enormous, at least 20,000 euros (US$25,000) for each store," a Chinese trader told Xinhua.
Opened in 2003, the Red Dragon market is undergoing expansion. There could have been 8,000 stores by the end of the development plan. Visitor arrivals average 10,000 per day, and could double that on weekends.
