Dozens killed in Myanmar blast from accidental detonation of mining explosives

A significant blast in northern Myanmar on Sunday claimed the lives of dozens of people, with rebels in control of the region attributing the incident to the accidental detonation of mining explosives. The explosion occurred in Shan state's Namhkan district, where a first responder reported 46 fatalities, including children, and over 70 injuries. Another rescuer provided a higher toll, stating 59 people were killed in total, with both individuals speaking anonymously due to security concerns. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a prominent ethnic minority faction, confirmed an "accidental explosion" of stored explosives used for mining and stone quarrying. The blast happened around noon on Sunday in Namhkam township, killing "many local villagers," though the TNLA did not provide an exact death toll. The group stated the explosives belonged to its economic department and that an investigation is underway to determine the precise cause. Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war since the military's power grab in a 2021 coup, with the armed forces engaged in conflict against various pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic minority armed groups.

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46 people were killed, including children, and more than 70 others were injured.