Massive Explosion Kills Dozens in Myanmar's Rebel-Controlled Border Village

A massive explosion at a storage site for mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar has killed dozens of people, injured scores more and devastated an entire village near the Chinese border, with rescue teams continuing to search through rubble for victims.

The blast occurred around noon on Sunday in Kaung Tat, also known as Kaungtup village, in Namhkam township of Shan State, an area controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) . Conflicting casualty figures have emerged, with the TNLA reporting 39 deaths and 75 injuries , while local media, rescue workers and witness accounts placed the toll between 46 and 55 people . Reports cited by the BBC said at least 55 people , including 25 women and 30 men , were killed. Rescue workers earlier said six children were among the dead.

Witnesses described a huge blast that sent a mushroom-shaped cloud into the sky, carved a massive crater into the ground and scattered bodies and debris across the area. Residents initially feared the explosion was an airstrike because of its intensity. Local journalists said some victims remained trapped under collapsed structures, with excavators being used in rescue efforts.

The TNLA acknowledged that the site contained gelignite and other explosives stored for mining and quarrying operations. The group issued a public apology, expressed condolences to affected families and said those responsible would be held accountable if negligence was found. It also pledged medical aid, relief assistance and rehabilitation support.

More than 200 homes were destroyed or damaged , with witnesses saying entire sections of the village were wiped out. Hospitals reportedly appealed for blood donations as they struggled to treat the injured.

The explosion occurred in a region controlled by the TNLA, part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance , which has maintained a fragile China-mediated ceasefire with Myanmar's military since late 2025. The cause of the blast remains under investigation.