UCA News
Contribute

Parish hall razed by fire in Kachin state

Blaze injures 3, St Columban Cathedral escapes damage
Parish hall razed by fire in Kachin state
The smoldering ruins of St Columban Cathedral in Myitkyina diocese
Published: October 26, 2011 05:39 AM GMT
Updated: October 26, 2011 09:18 AM GMT

The parish hall next to St Columban Cathedral in northern Myitkyina diocese was destroyed by fire early yesterday morning. The blaze, which eyewitnesses said began at around 3am, quickly engulfed the two-story building, giving firefighters little chance of saving the structure. The cathedral itself was not damaged. “Smoke was seen coming from inside the building at around at 3am [8:30pm GMT  Monday] but by the time firefighters arrived around an hour later the blaze had taken hold,” said Zau Hkawng, an eyewitness. Two students from the parish were slightly hurt trying to put out the flames, while a fireman was in more serious condition in hospital after suffering burns to the upper part of his body. On hearing the news Lajawn Ngan Seng, the chief minister of Kachin State, inspected the scene and pledged to provide any necessary assistance to the injured and parishioners. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be established, but faulty wiring is suspected, since very little repairs had been done on the building since it was built in 1976. Foul play though has not been ruled out as security services have been on alert around Myitkyina in the wake of a bomb attack on a railway bridge in the area two weeks ago.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia