Blast in Myanmar village reportedly kills 55, injures dozens more

The explosion took place at noon claimed lives of 25 women and 30 men in a village near Chinese border

At least 55 people were reportedly killed ​in a blast in Myanmar's Kaung Tat village, ‌which a rebel army said was caused by the accidental explosion of material stored for use in mining.

The ​Ta'ang National Liberation Army, which has been ​engaged in bitter fighting with Myanmar's military ⁠junta and controls the village near the ​Chinese border, said there had been fatalities, without saying ​how many.

The BBC and local news outlet Shwe Phee Myay News Agency said at least 55 people had died, ​including 25 women and 30 men, and ​that dozens more were wounded.

According to AFP, one first responder in Shan state's Namhkan district, where the blast occurred, said 46 people were killed, including children, and more than 70 others were injured.

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Another rescuer said 59 people were killed in total, with both speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

A serious #explosion occurred at noon on Sunday in Kaungtat village in Nankham township, #Myanmar. Thick smoke rose from the blast site, and several buildings were damaged. Local #fire and rescue teams have arrived at the scene to assist. The cause of the incident and details… pic.twitter.com/KNtYq4NelL

— CCTV Asia Pacific (@CCTVAsiaPacific) May 31, 2026

"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 group ​said in a ​statement to ⁠Reuters.

It said the explosion that took place at noon local time (0530 GMT), ​was being investigated and that anyone ​found ⁠responsible would be held accountable. It added relief, healthcare, and rehabilitation for the families affected by the ⁠blast, which ​would be provided as soon ​as possible.