Condolences to the families of the victims in the chemical explosions at the Rangoon warehouse complex Statement

Thursday December 29, 2011


Toronto - As the Caucus Chair of the Parliamentary friends of Burma I join my colleagues as we express our condolences and prayers to the families of the victims in the chemical explosions at the Rangoon warehouse.


A fire broke out at a Rangoon warehouse complex that set off a series of chemical explosions. The fire broke out before dawn in a group of government-run warehouses in central Rangoon, Burma's largest city. It is believed, that an electrical short was believed to have started the fire at a warehouse storing DVDs.


The blaze also spread to surrounding wooden houses and a Buddhist
monastery, which collapsed after it caught fire. The explosions rocked the entire city, jolting residents from sleep. A 6-metre-wide and4.5-metre-deep crater was visible at the site.


 It has killed at least 17 people, including five fire fighters, and injured at least 88.


People who have been evacuated from the area.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.


I am sure that the resiliency of the Burmese people will rally to help the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured and those who have been left homeless.


Hon. Jim Karygiannis, M.P.

Scarborough-Agincourt

206-3850 Finch Avenue East

Scarborough, Ontario M1T 3T6

Tel: (416) 321-5454

Fax: (416) 321-5456

Condolences to the families of the victims in the chemical explosions
at the Rangoon warehouse complex Statement by The Honourable Jim
Karygiannis,
Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, Liberal Critic of
Multiculturalism and chairperson of the Parliamentary Friends of Burma