Explosion in Myanmar: 55 dead, more than 70 injured

A violent explosion of unknown cause occurred yesterday morning in the Namkham region of Shan State, near Myanmar's border with China in Southeast Asia.

Local rescue teams announced that at least 55 people lost their lives and more than 70 were injured in the blast, while it was reported that many people might still be trapped under the rubble following the explosion, which caused heavy destruction.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which controls the region, announced that the explosion occurred in an area under the control of the group's economic unit. In a statement issued by the TNLA, it was noted that an investigation into the incident has been launched.

While local sources suggest that the explosion may have been caused by the detonation of explosives used in mining activities, authorities stated that the exact cause of the incident has not yet been determined.

Following the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, clashes have been taking place between the army and ethnic armed groups in many parts of the country. The northern part of Shan State, where the explosion occurred, is among the regions that have seen intense fighting between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups in recent years.