Explosions rock Lao capital's biggest marketplace

Explosions are rocking Lao capital Vientiane's biggest marketplace, Thong Khan Kham after a fire started at approximately 7:40 p.m. local time. One shopkeeper, who operates a curtain shop on the street outside Thong Khan Kham told Xinhua that the fire broke out from a corner of the marketplace before spreading quickly around 7:40 p.m. local time. The shopkeeper believed that not many people were injured in the blaze as the market closed just over an hour earlier at 6:30 p. m. At time of writing the fire is still burning and firemen are on the scene battling the blaze. Xinhua reporters have witnessed shopkeepers braving the extreme heat to rescue their goods as the fire continues to engulf the area. The streets are filled with frantic people making it difficult for fire trucks to navigate the area. The fire has knocked out power for surrounding areas and locals are evacuating the area. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that explosions are rocking the marketplace, presumably from cooking gas left after the market had closed. Thong Khan Kham is one of Vientiane's most renowned marketplaces and sells everything from fresh produce to baskets, clothing and tools.