More than 45 killed, around 70 injured in blast at explosives storage building in Myanmar

A devastating explosion at a building believed to be storing mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar has resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people, with approximately 70 others injured. The blast occurred around midday in Kaungtup village, located in Namhkam township, just 3 kilometers south of the Chinese border.

“

46 bodies, including those of six children, had been recovered by Sunday evening and taken for cremation.

The area where the explosion took place is under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group engaged in conflict with Myanmar's military-led government. The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, but initial reports indicate the building was used for storing explosives utilized in mining operations.

“

74 injured people had been taken to the township hospital and that rescue efforts were continuing.

Rescue workers on the scene reported that by Sunday evening, 46 bodies, including those of six children, had been recovered and were taken for cremation. Another rescuer stated that around 70 people were injured and transported to the township hospital. Efforts to find survivors and assess the damage were continuing, with one anonymous rescuer estimating over 100 houses near the blast site sustained damage.

“

about 40 people had been killed in the blast and that more than 100 houses near the site were damaged.