TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A powerful explosion ripped through a building reported to be used as a storage site for mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar on Sunday, May 31, killing more than 45 people, according to rescue officials and local media.
The blast occurred around midday in Namhkam town in Shan State, injuring around 70 others.
The site is located about three kilometers south of the China border in an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group and political organization seeking autonomy in Myanmar.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that multiple residential houses were damaged in the explosion.
Initial findings indicated that the blast took place at a storage facility for mining explosives.
Several Myanmar media outlets reported that the death toll ranged between 50 and 55 people.
Photos and videos circulating in local media showed thick smoke rising from the site, with damaged buildings and debris scattered across the area.
“So far, among the victims, 25 are reported to be women and 30 men, while dozens of others were injured and some are believed to still be trapped as rescue operations continue,” Shwe Phee Myay news agency in Shan State reported.
Disaster officials called for blood donations at Namhkam General Hospital as the situation continued to develop, according to the report.
In a statement posted on its Telegram account, the TNLA said it was storing gelignite for use in mining and excavation activities.
It added that an investigation into the cause of the explosion has been launched.
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