A powerful explosion in Myanmar’s Kaung Tat village has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 55 people and left dozens more injured, according to local media reports.
The blast occurred in a village controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group currently observing a ceasefire with Myanmar’s military. The area is located near the country’s border with China.
In a statement, the TNLA confirmed that fatalities had occurred but did not provide an official death toll. The group said preliminary information indicated that the explosion may have been caused by the accidental detonation of materials stored for use in mining activities.
However, reports by the BBC and local news outlet Shwe Phee Myay News Agency stated that at least 55 people were killed in the incident, including 25 women and 30 men. Dozens of others were reportedly wounded in the blast.
The TNLA’s political wing, the Palaung State Liberation Front, expressed condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, suffered injuries and experienced losses as a result of the explosion,” the group said in a statement posted on Telegram.
According to the TNLA, the explosion occurred at around noon local time and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The group pledged that anyone found responsible for negligence or wrongdoing would be held accountable following the completion of investigations.
It also announced plans to provide immediate relief assistance, healthcare support and rehabilitation services to affected families and survivors.
The devastating blast has shocked communities in the region and is among the deadliest reported incidents in northern Myanmar this year, raising concerns over the storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials in conflict-affected areas.
