BANGKOK (Agencies) – More than 45 people, including several children, were killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a building reportedly storing mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar on Sunday, according to rescue workers and local media reports.
The blast occurred around midday in Kaungtup village in Namhkam township, an area located close to the Chinese border and controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed organisation involved in long-running conflict with Myanmar’s military authorities.
A rescue worker who participated in emergency operations told The Associated Press that at least 46 bodies had been recovered by Sunday evening, including six children. The victims were later taken for cremation.
The rescuer, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, added that at least 74 injured people had been transported to local hospitals, while rescue efforts were continuing late into the evening.
Another local rescuer said the blast caused widespread destruction in nearby residential areas, damaging more than 100 homes. He estimated that around 40 people had died, although casualty figures continued to vary as recovery operations progressed.
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Independent Myanmar news organisations, including Shan State-based Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, reported death tolls ranging between 50 and 55. Images and videos shared by local media showed thick smoke rising from the site and extensive destruction to buildings surrounding the explosion area.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV also confirmed multiple deaths and injuries, reporting that many residential houses suffered severe damage. However, it did not provide an official casualty figure.
According to preliminary investigations cited by Chinese media, the explosion took place at a storage facility containing large quantities of explosives used in mining operations.
Local authorities and emergency responders have since launched relief efforts, providing medical treatment and temporary shelter for displaced residents affected by the disaster.
In a statement issued on its Telegram channel, the TNLA acknowledged that gelignite explosives had been stored at the site by its economic department for use in mining and quarrying activities. The group said an investigation into the cause of the explosion was underway.
Gelignite, commonly used in mining and rock blasting, can become highly unstable if improperly stored or kept for long periods under unsafe conditions.
The TNLA is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of ethnic armed groups that launched a major offensive against Myanmar’s military in late 2023. Since then, the alliance has seized control of several areas in northeastern Myanmar, including Namhkam township.
Although the TNLA agreed to a China-brokered ceasefire with Myanmar’s military last year, tensions between armed groups and the junta remain high.
Myanmar has faced continuing instability since the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The coup triggered nationwide protests and armed resistance, plunging large parts of the country into prolonged conflict and humanitarian crisis.
