Desk : At least 45 people were killed and more than 70 others injured in a powerful explosion in northern Myanmar’s Shan State on Sunday. The blast occurred in Kaungtup village under Namkham Township, near the China border, causing widespread destruction in the area.
According to local rescue teams and media reports, the explosion took place inside a building that was allegedly being used to store explosive materials used in mining activities, such as gelignite. The explosion was so intense that several nearby houses and structures were also destroyed, trapping many people under debris.
Rescue officials said that dozens of bodies have been recovered so far, including fears that children may also be among the dead. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where several remain in critical condition. Relief and rescue operations are still ongoing.
A massive cloud of smoke was seen rising from the site, and the sound of the explosion was reportedly heard several kilometers away. Local authorities and relevant groups have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that improper storage of explosive materials may have caused the blast.
Myanmar has been facing ongoing instability since the 2021 military coup, and several regions have witnessed weakened safety oversight, leading to frequent industrial and accidental disasters.