- A massive fire has broken out at a vast shopping complex housing around 1,400 stores in Poland’s capital.
- According to authorities, the fire broke out in Warsaw’s Bialoreka district.
- As a result of this accident, more than 80% of the complex was destroyed by fire, causing extensive damage.
A massive fire broke out at a vast shopping complex in Poland’s capital on Sunday morning. The complex is home to approximately 1,400 stores and service outlets, with many of the vendors coming from Vietnam.
Huge plumes of black smoke could be seen rising over a vast area. According to the fire department, more than 80% of the Mariwilska 44 shopping complex in Warsaw’s Bialoreka district was burnt and the roof caved in.
Police reported no injuries, but traders were left in despair after losing their livelihoods. The Gazeta Wyborcza daily newspaper reported that some Vietnamese sellers requested access to secure their goods from the complex, but were prevented by security guards.
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The Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs in Poland said the fire meant “huge economic losses for merchants” and was a “terrible tragedy for thousands of merchants and their families.”
On May 12, 2024, a fire broke out in a vast shopping complex in Warsaw, Poland. The fire broke out on Sunday morning at a vast shopping complex in Poland’s capital that houses around 1,400 shops and service outlets. (AP Photo/Norbert Ofmanski)
Chemical and environmental rescue experts were among the large number of rescue personnel who took part in the operation. Authorities sent text messages to Warsaw residents warning them of the fire and asking them to close their windows and stay at home.
The shopping center is owned by Mirbud, an industrial construction company listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
Warsaw police said they had launched an investigation into the fire, which broke out at around 3:30 a.m. local time, but the cause had not yet been determined.
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Warsaw city authorities were scheduled to discuss on Monday financial support for small traders whose livelihoods have been destroyed.
Shopping centers and large stores typically close on Sundays due to a trade ban imposed by the previous government, which had close ties to the Catholic Church. However, small business owners were exempted from the ban, and many small shops in the center remained open on Sundays.
