Explosion in Myanmar leaves 46 dead and dozens injured

Explosion in Myanmar leaves 46 dead and dozens injured
Fire fighters demonstrate during the anniversary of Myanmar Fire Services Department in Yangon, 5 May 2017.
Reuters

At least 46 people, including six children, have been killed in a powerful explosion at a building used to store mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar, according to local media reports.

The blast took place in a village in Namhkam Township, Shan State, near the border with China’s Yunnan Province. Officials said around 74 others were injured, with many taken to nearby facilities for treatment as emergency teams worked at the scene.

The building, located roughly three kilometres from the Chinese border, is believed to have been used to store explosives linked to mining activities. The cause of the blast was not immediately confirmed.

Namhkam is located in a conflict-affected area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, an ethnic armed group engaged in fighting against Myanmar’s military government. The region has faced ongoing instability, complicating response efforts.

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