Explosion at mining explosives storage in Myanmar kills at least 45

A powerful explosion Sunday at a building in northeastern Myanmar reportedly used to store mining explosives killed more than 45 local residents, according to rescue workers and local media reports. The blast occurred around noon in Kaungtup village in Namhkam township in Shan state, leaving around 70 injured.

Location and control

The blast took place in an area about 3 kilometers south of the Chinese border controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a prominent ethnic armed group fighting for autonomy. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the explosion caused severe damage to numerous residential houses, with initial findings indicating the blast occurred at a storage site holding large amounts of mining explosives.

Casualties

Several Myanmar news organizations reported between 50 and 55 killed. The Shan state-based Shwe Phee Myay news agency reported that among the victims, 25 are women and 30 are men, with dozens injured and some still believed trapped. Photos and videos showed a large plume of smoke and widespread destruction.

TNLA statement

In a statement on Telegram, the TNLA said gelignite was being stored by its economic wing for use in mining and quarrying sites, adding that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion. Emergency responders called for blood donations at Namkham Township Public Hospital.