Clearing operations underway after a large rock rolled down from the mountain and fell near BOC oil shop in Taunggyi city outskirts

It is reported that clearing operations are underway after a large rock rolled down from the mountain and fell near the BOC oil shop in the outskirts of Taunggyi city. The incident occurred around 10 PM on September 19, 2026, when a large rock rolled down from the mountain. It hit an office building and then fell across the road into the oil storage area next to the BOC oil shop. As the rock collapsed onto the Mines Department office in the Forest Ward of Taunggyi Township, one office building was damaged, but there were no human or animal casualties. Clearing operations were carried out at the scene during the night, and the road was reopened for use at 1:30 AM. This morning, security and border affairs minister of the Shan State government, along with other responsible officials, inspected the site, and it was stated that the ground conditions on the mountain would also be inspected. It was also stated that the large rock would be removed using machinery. "The rock fell from the Shwe Mulaw Pagoda mountain due to the rain, around 10:30 PM. We arrived immediately after it fell and began clearing operations. This morning, we are carrying out cleaning work to clear blockages in the roadside drain. The main task is to remove the large rock. The rock fell next to the BOC oil shop. Behind it are tankers full of oil," said U Zaw Lin Htun, Director General and State Chief of the Shan State Fire Services Department. "It's called Pagoda Mountain. Later, Shwe Mulaw Pagoda was built there. Now, this large rock is like a mountain peak. There are also trees. The teachers are a tree-planting group. Because it was so high, it rained a lot yesterday, and the soil softened and it fell. This large rock is a very good-natured rock; it slid down. It hit a small house located between two buildings. It lost some momentum and reached the road. It crossed the road and fell into an open compound, where it stopped. It's very strange. All the people of Taunggyi are grateful for this large rock. It must have been protected by good spirits. Because the rock did not harm anyone, nor did it cause trouble for the vehicles. It passed between two large buildings, and not a single tree was broken. I believe good and noble spirits guided it. We are very grateful," said Dr. Hnin Yee Aye, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and a resident of Taunggyi. Due to the rockfall, one single-story building within the compound of the State Mines Department office was damaged, as well as a gray Nissan X-TRAIL and a gray Honda Fit motor vehicle that were parked within the office compound. There were no human or animal injuries or fatalities. A rockfall also occurred from the top of Taunggyi Mountain near this location during the great Sagaing earthquake on March 28, 2025. Photo and news - Sithar (Taunggyi)