Massive Fire Engulfs Santa Cruz Public Market, Hundreds of Vendors Affected

A devastating fire ripped through the Santa Cruz public market in Laguna, Philippines, early Friday morning, May 23rd, leaving over 300 vendors heartbroken and without their livelihoods. The blaze, which began around 6 AM, quickly engulfed numerous stalls, causing significant damage and loss of goods. "I lost everything," sobbed Aling Rosa, a vendor who had been selling in the market for over 20 years, her voice choked with tears. "All my savings, my merchandise... gone." Firefighters arrived on the scene swiftly, but the fire's rapid spread and the nature of the market's construction made it challenging to contain. The fire was declared under control around 9 AM, but the damage is extensive. The local government has pledged to assist the affected vendors in rebuilding their businesses. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness in densely populated areas.