An explosion in northeastern Myanmar’s Kaung Tup village resulted in many fatalities on Sunday. The incident, reported to be accidental, occurred in a warehouse storing explosives for mining and quarrying. This area is under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army.
The explosion took place around noon, leaving large sections of the village devastated. Although specific casualty numbers were not provided officially, local media and rescue workers reported at least 55 deaths, including children.
Videos shared on social media showed thick white smoke and a subsequent major explosion, leading some villagers to suspect an air raid. Residents noted the loud noise resembled bombings from aircrafts due to ongoing conflicts with Myanmar’s military, despite a cease-fire agreement reached in October.
The sound was incredibly loud, making us think bombs were being dropped, said Lway Poe Nge, a Kaung Tup resident. Our house was entirely destroyed.
Lway Poe Nge and her mother managed to flee their home in time. Tragically, her next-door cousin perished when debris from the explosion crushed her house.
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