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Fire destroys La Merced market in Mexico City

This week, at least 3 markets were destroyed by fires in Mexico City

The famous Mexico City market burst into flames on Christmas Eve - Photo: Diego Simón Sánchez/EL UNIVERSAL
26/12/2019 |15:07Newsroom |
Redacción El Universal
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In recent days, have been registered in three markets in Mexico City .

On Christmas Eve , the famous La Merced market was destroyed by a fire. It destroyed around 630 stalls, two people died , and 400 were evacuated . An hour later, firefighters announced that 90% of the fire was under control. The two victims died after being electrocuted .

This fire will have catastrophic consequences for hundreds of families who have worked at the market for generations .

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Fire destroys La Merced market in Mexico City

The cause behind one of the most important markets in Mexico City is still unknown.

On December 23 , there was a fire at the Abelardo Rodríguez market in Mexico City. According to firefighters, a short circuit likely sparked the .

On December 22, the San Cosme Market burst into flames. The sinister destroyed 350 stalls, almost 50% of the market, and at least 150 people were evacuated. It took firefighters over two hours to put the out.

The vendors sold their products on the street after the fire. They asked people to buy from them and that the Mexico City government doesn’t ignore them.

After the devastating events , local authorities have announced that the government will inspect the electrical installations of the 329 markets where the CFE operates.

Besides the loss of human lives and the economic impact generated by these fires, they also caused an environmental contingency in the Mexican capital, which could push authorities to take measures to fight increasing pollution levels.

Mexico City authorities

announced that they have launched an investigation for two crimes : damage to property and homicide , as a result of the fire registered at La Merced market.

After the fires, Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum and her team have visited the affected markets. The mayor announced that the local government will rebuild the markets and will provide financial aid to the vendors and employees . Claudia Sheinbaum said the local government will support the family of those who died.

Sheinbaum will meet with the vendors from the La Merced market on January 10.

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