3 workers dead, 3 saved from collapsed South Dagon flat

The scene Friday of  rescue efforts underway in South Dagon Township.   Photo: Myanmar Fire Services Department / Facebook
The scene Friday of rescue efforts underway in South Dagon Township. Photo: Myanmar Fire Services Department / Facebook

Three workers’ bodies were recovered early this morning from a collapsed residential building in Yangon’s South Dagon Township.

Six workers had become trapped in the rubble of the unfinished building Friday morning at the intersection of Kyansittha and Mayu roads, and the rescue operation run all night to look for survivors. 

“So far, we have managed to save three people who have now come out with injuries and serious concerns,” a first-responder told Coconuts before the rescue operation was completed, later adding that the other three had not survived.

“Three workers were found and transferred to North Okkalapa Township People’s Hospital as of 2:45am, the search and rescue operation is still ongoing,” he said. They were pronounced dead at the hospital. 

The incident occurred at 9:28am on Friday. Fire engines from the Dagon Myothit (East) Township Fire Station, as well as Emergency Medical Service Ambulances and Search and Rescue Special Forces from the Myanmar Fire Brigade Headquarters, led the search and rescue operation.

Resident Ko Phyo, who lives close to the building, blamed shoddy construction methods.

“Because there are no actual engineers, it is being built on a steel structure that will eventually collapse. They’re basically local masons and carpenters who don’t have any certificates. So it’s possible to collapse.” 

The building was close to the monastery that reportedly sustained no damage.

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