On April 19, 2025, Myint Maung, a 43-year-old Myanmar construction worker, recounted his harrowing experience of surviving the collapse of a government audit office building during an earthquake. The incident, which occurred on March 28, resulted in a tragic death toll of 47 people, with 9 others injured and 47 still unaccounted for.
Myint Maung was working on the 29th floor of the building when the tremors struck. He was accompanied by a diverse team of workers, including four Thai men, four Thai women, and six other foreign workers. As the earthquake shook the structure, Myint and his colleagues gathered in a back area near a parking lot, where they had access to water. However, the chaos soon escalated.
"At that moment, I thought I wouldn’t survive. My mother had told me to come home earlier, but I had refused. I thought I would never see her again," Myint recalled. In a desperate attempt to escape, he separated from his group just moments before the building collapsed. He described how debris began to fall, striking him in the head and prompting him to take cover.
Less than two minutes later, the building crumbled around him. Myint found himself propelled into a void, unsure of where he was within the wreckage. "I was trapped under the concrete, and I couldn't hear anyone calling for help. I feared my friends were still on the 29th floor, trapped beneath the rubble," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.
Rescue operations have been ongoing since the collapse, with officials and volunteers tirelessly working to recover bodies and locate survivors. The grim tally of casualties has shocked the nation, highlighting the dangers associated with substandard construction practices.
Myint expressed his deep sadness over the loss of his colleagues, who he described as close friends. "Even though they weren’t family, we worked together for three years. It feels like losing family," he lamented. He also noted that during their time working together, he had raised concerns about the building's construction quality, which he believed was inadequate.
The construction site, operated by STG Construction, has come under scrutiny. Allegations have surfaced that the company engaged in corrupt practices, including bribing officials to overlook safety violations and substandard work. Myint claimed that workers had previously faced severe punishments, such as having their heads shaved for mistakes, which created a culture of fear among employees.
On the same day Myint shared his story, authorities announced that they had arrested 47 individuals linked to STG Construction during a raid involving 22 locations. This move is part of a broader investigation into the company's alleged malpractice. Nine people were apprehended, while 47 others remain at large.
Myint's narrative sheds light on the human toll of such tragedies, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the construction industry. He stated that he felt sympathy for the construction company, despite its failings, as many of the workers were just trying to earn a living.
As the rescue efforts continue, the community remains on edge, hoping for the safe return of those still unaccounted for. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for reform in construction practices to prevent future catastrophes.
In the aftermath, Myint Maung has been left with physical injuries and emotional scars, but he remains grateful to have survived. "I just want to go home and see my mother again," he said, reflecting on the fragility of life and the bonds formed in the workplace.
With the investigation into STG Construction ongoing, many are calling for accountability and justice for the victims and their families. The collapse has not only claimed lives but has also raised critical questions about labor rights, safety standards, and the ethical responsibilities of construction companies.
As the days pass and the search for survivors continues, the community stands united in mourning and in their demand for change. The tragic events at the STG Construction site serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and integrity in the building industry.
