Deadly Explosion in Kaungtup Village, Myanmar, Kills Over 45

On Sunday around noon, a building in Kaungtup village, Namhkam township—three kilometres south of the Chinese border—detonated after a cache of mining explosives, identified as gelignite, ignited. The blast killed more than 45 people and injured dozens, while destroying many nearby homes.

Associated Press

The blast occurred in territory controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group that joined the Three Brotherhood Alliance and has held Namhkam since a major offensive in late 2023. The TNLA signed a China-mediated ceasefire with Myanmar’s military in October 2023, but tensions remain amid the nationwide turmoil after the February 2021 coup.

Associated Press

Rescue workers reported 46 bodies recovered, including six children, and 74 injured people taken to the township hospital. Another rescuer estimated about 40 deaths and damage to more than 100 houses. Local media cited death tolls of 50-55, while Chinese state broadcaster CCTV confirmed multiple deaths and severe damage to residential structures.

Associated Press

The TNLA said its economic department stored gelignite for mining and stone-quarrying and that an investigation is under way. Local authorities announced relief, medical care and resettlement assistance for affected residents. CCTV reported the explosion occurred at a site where large quantities of mining explosives were stored.

Associated Press

Gelignite is widely used in mining but can become highly unstable over time and if poorly stored, raising concerns about the safety of keeping large caches near civilian populations. The blast underscores the risks of inadequate storage practices in conflict-affected regions.

Associated Press

Sources differ on the exact death toll: rescue workers cite 46 bodies, another rescuer mentions about 40 deaths, while Myanmar media report 50-55 fatalities. Injury figures range from 70 to 74. No definitive cause beyond the presence of stored gelignite has been confirmed, and an investigation is ongoing.

Associated Press

The TNLA and local authorities have pledged to continue the investigation while providing relief and resettlement for survivors. Relations between the TNLA and Myanmar’s military remain tense, and the broader conflict in the country continues.

Associated Press

• "46 bodies, including six children, had been recovered by Sunday evening and taken for cremation." — rescue worker (anonymous)

Associated Press

• "74 injured people had been transported to the township hospital and rescue operations were continuing." — rescue worker (anonymous)

Associated Press

• "gelignite had been stored by the group’s economic department for use in mining and stone quarrying sites." — TNLA, Telegram statement

Associated Press

• "The blast occurred at a site where large quantities of explosives used for mining operations were stored." — CCTV, Chinese state broadcaster

Associated Press