Major fire tears through Marseille market near Saint-Charles station

A major fire broke out early Thursday at the Marché du Soleil in Marseille, a large market near Saint-Charles station known for selling counterfeit goods.

Flames tore through around 2,000 square metres of the 3,600-square-metre site. Marseille marine firefighters deployed 110 personnel and 35 vehicles to tackle the blaze.

Nearby residents were evacuated during the operation, but no injuries were reported. The market had been closed since February and recently ordered by a court to shut down permanently following concerns over fire safety and compliance with regulations.