Reported by NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: At least 55 people were killed and dozens injured in a powerful explosion in Kaung Tat village in northern Myanmar, according to local media reports and the BBC.
The incident occurred around noon local time on Sunday in a village controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group currently observing a ceasefire with Myanmar‘s military. Kaung Tat is located near the Myanmar-China border.
According to the TNLA, the blast was caused by the accidental explosion of materials stored for mining purposes. While the group confirmed that the incident resulted in multiple fatalities, it did not disclose an official death toll.
However, reports by the BBC and local outlet Shwe Phee Myay News Agency stated that at least 55 people lost their lives, including 25 women and 30 men. Dozens of others were reportedly wounded in the explosion.
In a statement posted on Telegram, the TNLA’s political wing, the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA), expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“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,” the statement said.
The group said an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the blast and added that anyone found responsible would be held accountable. It also pledged to provide relief assistance, medical care and rehabilitation support to those affected by the tragedy.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage as rescue and recovery efforts remain underway.