A fire broke out at a motorcycle showroom in Mogaung, Kachin State, on August 26 killing two salesgirls.

The fire started at Chan Myae motorbike and spare part shop in Kyudaw Ward, Mogaung Township, at about 10.40 pm on August 26. A fire brigade from the township fire service department rushed to the scene but the fire could be put out only about 2am on August 27, said U Sai Aung, who helped the firefighters.

“Since 8pm, there had been rains and flashes of lightning. The power was then cut. I think the fire was caused by lightning. There was a lot of fuel and tyres inside the shop. The fire was raging inside almost all the night. Two salesgirls aged about 20 died. One of the bodies was not found,” U Sai Aung said.  

The two salesgirls were from salt-making villages in Namati.

The fire destroyed a motorcycle shop building and 30 motorbikes. In connection with the case, the owner has been detained for questioning.

There were heavy rains in some big towns of Kachin State on the night of August 26 with a record high of rainfall of 7.48 inches in 49 years.