An explosion at a storage site for mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar on Sunday resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, with conflicting reports on the exact death toll.
The blast occurred in the village of Kaungtup (also reported as Kaung Tat), Namhkam township, Shan State, an area controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
Incident Details
The explosion took place at approximately 12:30 pm local time (05:50 GMT) on Sunday. The building where the blast occurred was used to store gelignite for mining and stone quarrying, according to the TNLA.
Secondary explosions followed the initial blast. The explosion and subsequent fires damaged numerous residential houses in the village.
Casualties and Damage
Reported casualty figures vary among sources:
- A rescue worker stated 46 bodies were recovered, including six children, and 74 injured were transported to a hospital.
- Another rescue worker reported approximately 40 killed and over 100 houses damaged.
- Myanmar media reported death tolls ranging from 50 to 55.
- A rescue worker cited by the Shwe Phee Myay news agency reported 55 killed.
- Local media outlet The Irrawaddy reported at least 46 killed and over 70 wounded.
- Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported the explosion caused multiple deaths and injuries but did not provide specific figures.
Response
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that local authorities are providing relief, medical care, and resettlement assistance to those affected.
Statements from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)
The TNLA confirmed the explosion in a Facebook statement, reporting numerous casualties but providing no precise figure. The group stated that the gelignite had been stored by its economic department for mining and stone quarrying.
The TNLA stated that an investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway and that those responsible would be held accountable. Gelignite can become unstable over time and if poorly stored.
Background
The TNLA, an ethnic armed group in Myanmar, is a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance. The group has been fighting for greater autonomy from the central government.
The TNLA has controlled Namhkam township since late 2023 after an offensive against the military. The TNLA signed a ceasefire with Myanmar's military after China-mediated talks in October 2024, but relations remain tense. Myanmar has been in a state of conflict since the military seized power in February 2021.