Mining explosives blast in Myanmar kills at least 38, rescuers search for bodies
A massive blast from stored mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar killed at least 38 people on Sunday, according to local rescue volunteers. The explosion occurred at noon in Kaungtup village, Namhkam township in Shan State near the Chinese border. More than a dozen rescue and charity groups used excavation machinery on Monday to recover bodies, though the exact death toll remains uncertain because several bodies were blown apart. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which controls the area, stated the blast involved gelignite used in local mining and stone quarrying. Residents of the 200-household village reported they were never told explosives were being kept there. An investigation into the specific cause is underway. A Chinese national injured in the blast is receiving medical treatment, and Beijing has pledged assistance. Two local residents said that mines producing raw materials for silicon metal are operated jointly by the TNLA and Chinese businessmen about 15 kilometers southwest of Namhkam, but that claim could not be independently verified.
What’s reported
The blast occurred Sunday at noon in Kaungtup village, Namhkam township, Shan State, near the Chinese border.
Initial reports suggested at least 45 deaths; local rescue volunteers now put the number at 38-40.
The explosion involved gelignite used in local mining and stone quarrying, which becomes unstable if stored poorly.
Residents said they were never told explosives were being stored in the village.
The TNLA, an ethnic armed group, controls the Namhkam area and said an investigation is underway.
A Chinese national injured in the blast is receiving treatment; China’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences and pledged assistance.
Two local residents (speaking anonymously) said mines jointly operated by the TNLA and Chinese businessmen are located about 15 km southwest of Namhkam; the claim could not be independently verified.
Conflicting accounts
Initial reports suggested at least 45 deaths, but local rescue volunteers now report the death toll as 38-40. The exact number is complicated because bodies were blown apart.
The claim that mines are jointly operated by the TNLA and Chinese businessmen could not be independently verified by the Associated Press.
Open questions
What specifically caused the explosion.
The exact death toll, as bodies were blown apart.
Whether residents were deliberately kept unaware of the stored explosives.
The full extent of Chinese investment or involvement in the area’s mining operations.
Key figures
Lin Jian: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson (expressed condolences, confirmed a Chinese national injured)
Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA): ethnic armed group that controls Namhkam area (released statement on blast)
Three Brotherhood Alliance: the TNLA is part of this alliance (mentioned in background)
Aung San Suu Kyi: ousted in 2021 military coup (mentioned in background context, not directly related to blast)
Sources: abcnews.com
