The multi-story building housing Karaweit Cafe and Restaurant, located at the intersection of 35th and 75th Streets in Mandalay, completely collapsed during the earthquake on March 28, resulting in the deaths of customers, staff members, and military personnel including one officer and approximately nine soldiers. The earthquake struck at 12:52 PM with a magnitude of 7.7. The incident occurred during lunchtime when the cafe was at its busiest, with many patrons dining inside.
Karaweit Cafe was a renowned establishment in Mandalay, popular among local residents who frequented it daily. When the building collapsed, it contained not only dining customers and staff members but also military personnel who were conducting security patrols in Mandalay. Military vehicles arrived at the scene in the evening of March 28 following the earthquake to investigate the situation. The six-story building completely crumbled to ground level due to the earthquake’s intensity.
Due to the severity of the collapse, sources indicated that there was little chance of survival for those trapped inside the building. The loss of Karaweit Cafe represents a significant tragedy for the Mandalay community, as it was one of the city’s most popular dining establishments. The timing of the earthquake during the peak lunch hour contributed to the high number of casualties, as the restaurant was particularly crowded at that time. The complete structural failure of the building left only rubble at ground level, making it one of the most devastating consequences of the earthquake in Mandalay.
