A fire broke out at a flat in 97th Street in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon, on the afternoon of February 19 killing two women and one child.

The fire started on the floor above Kaung Htet Clinic in 97th Street, and the three chocked to death in the fumes. The women were aged 68 and 50 while the boy was 8.

The level-1 fire started from the front part of the flat, according to the fire brigade.

Of the dead, one woman and one child were reportedly visitors to the flat.

“The cause of the fire and the value of loss and damage are still under investigation. Two women and one child choked to death. The child and one woman were the guests. A total of 12 fire engines arrived at the scene and over 70 firefighters put out the fire,” said an officer from the fire brigade.

The building is about 30 years old and it has no emergency ladder in the back.

The scene was visited by Yangon Mayor Maung Maung Soe and officials.

The mayor said: “The building must be checked if it is strong enough to accommodate people. The cause of the fire must be investigated. Another incident is unacceptable. We need to check other apartments. This building is over 30 years old. They should have sought help from outside. They were trying to put out the fire inside without seeking help. It’s a tragedy.”