Explosion at Rebel-Held Explosives Depot in Northeastern Myanmar Kills Dozens, Injures Over 70
A massive explosion at a depot storing mining explosives in a rebel-controlled village in Myanmar's Shan State killed at least 46 to 59 people and injured over 70, with rescue operations ongoing amid scenes of devastation.
A powerful explosion ripped through the village of Kaung Tat in northeastern Myanmar on Sunday, killing dozens of people and injuring many more. The blast, which occurred around noon local time, originated from a building used to store commercial explosives intended for mining operations. The area is under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group that has been in conflict with Myanmar's military junta.
Casualties and damage
Reports on the exact death toll vary. Local media outlet The Irrawaddy cited at least 46 dead, including six children, while the BBC and Shwe Phee Myay News Agency reported at least 55 fatalities, specifying 25 women and 30 men. Other sources, including a rescue worker cited by AFP, put the number as high as 59. Over 70 people were wounded, and around 100 homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Rescue workers continued to search for survivors trapped under the rubble hours after the incident. The local hospital in Namhkam reported an acute shortage of blood supplies to treat the injured.
Eyewitness accounts
Residents described scenes of chaos and devastation. Many initially believed the explosion was an airstrike. One survivor told the BBC that her phone saved her life, as she was in her bedroom eating noodles and looking at the device when the blast occurred. She sustained a minor leg injury but her house was destroyed.
People were crying, calling for their parents. It felt like the world had ended.
Another resident told local broadcaster DVB that explosive packages were hurled into the surrounding area, damaging homes up to two miles away.
Rebel group response
The TNLA confirmed that the depot was under its control and contained commercial explosives, specifically gelignite, used for blasting in mining and quarrying sites. The group expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and announced a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the blast, vowing to hold anyone found responsible accountable. The TNLA stated that relief, healthcare, and rehabilitation for affected families would be provided as soon as possible.
The Palaung State Liberation Front/TNLA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, were injured, and suffered damage as a result of the explosion.
Context of conflict
The explosion occurred in a region rich in rubies and other minerals, near the Chinese border. The TNLA is one of the most powerful ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, fighting for greater autonomy. It signed a ceasefire with the military junta in October following China-mediated talks, but relations remain tense. Myanmar has been in a state of civil war since the military seized power in 2021, with the army battling a range of pro-democracy and ethnic armed groups. The town of Namhkam was captured by the TNLA and its allies during the so-called Operation 1027.
