Yangon, Myanmar – February 22, 2018 – An explosion occurred on February twenty-first at approximately 4:47 p.m. after banking hours in our Yoma Bank Lashio branch (1) facility involving fourteen injuries and two deaths of Yoma Bank employees, who were located on the ground floor of the building.

Twenty-eight out of the thirty Yoma Bank employees were safely evacuated. Our priority right now is to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of all Lashio branch (1) employees and other employees in the area as well as to cooperate with emergency authorities on site.

“We are shocked and saddened by this atrocious act of terrorism. No justification can be given for such inhumane act. We are resolved with increased vigor to combat terrorism and to provide additional security for our staff and customers throughout our branches,” said Mr. Serge Pun, Chairman of Yoma Bank.

“We are horrified that anyone would carry out such violence against innocent men and women going about their daily business. Yoma Bank is focused on supporting our colleagues – the injured and the families of those who have passed away. We are grateful for the strong support from the community both at home and abroad,” said the Advisor to the Chairman and CEO of Yoma Bank, Mr. Hal Bosher.

Thank you to all our friends and colleagues within the local bank community and the wider business community who have called, offered condolences, and rendered their support and assistance. We are equally grateful for the many messages of support we have received from the international diplomatic community and business partners. We are also thankful for unwavering support from our group.

We will keep the public updated when more information becomes available. 

You can download the press release in both English and Myanmar versions. 21 Feb 2018 (11:57pm)