Mandalay — A devastating fire broke out at a bar in Mandalay on the morning of May 28, 2025, claiming the lives of four women, including the establishment’s manager. The blaze, reportedly sparked by a short circuit in welding equipment, occurred during repair work on the bar’s steel structure.

According to the Myanmar Fire Department, the fire started around 9:47 a.m. at a steel-structured building measuring 45 feet by 25 feet, located on 77th Street, between 33rd and 34th Streets, in Kansana Mahi Ward, Chan Aye Tharzan Township. The structure was undergoing major repairs following damage caused by a recent earthquake that had led to the collapse of several steel columns.

The flames quickly spread to nearby soundproof panels and sofas, trapping four women in the building’s dormitory. The victims were identified as a 30-year-old manager from Tamu Township, a 21-year-old receptionist from Tagaung Township, and two bakery workers aged 26 and 23, both from Pauk Township.

A massive firefighting operation was launched, involving 10 fire engines from multiple stations including Chan Aye Tharzan, Aung Nan Yeik Thar East, Kan San Mahi, Zay Cho, Yadanar Bummi West, Pyigyi Pyaw Bwe East, Maha Aung Myay, and Pyigyi Myeik Shin. Three water trucks and three administrative vehicles were also deployed. In total, 70 personnel — 30 firefighters and 40 auxiliary fire fighters — worked to control and extinguish the blaze.

The fire was brought under control by 10:00 a.m. and fully extinguished by 10:08 a.m.

Authorities have arrested the leader of the welding team in connection with the incident. Chan Aye Tharzan Township Police have opened a case under Sections 285 and 304(A) of the Myanmar Penal Code (Case No. Pa-88/2025), citing negligence leading to death.