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On Sunday, a tragic accidental explosion involving mining explosives in a rebel-controlled area of Myanmar resulted in the deaths of 55 people, including six children, according to the armed group involved.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time in northern Shan State, in the village of Kaung Tat, Namkham Township. The Palaung Self Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) reported that soft gunpowder stored for mining purposes detonated unexpectedly, causing widespread destruction. Many homes were damaged, and numerous residents were injured.
Rescue teams described the village as nearly obliterated, with dozens of people hurt and emergency personnel working tirelessly to free those trapped beneath the rubble. Local authorities have issued urgent appeals for blood donations to aid the victims.
The PSLF/TNLA confirmed that among the 55 fatalities were 25 females and 30 males. The group has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and stated that legal measures will be taken as appropriate.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army, alongside the Palaung Self Liberation Front, is a prominent ethnic rebel faction in Myanmar engaged in resistance against the central military government, advocating for independence in their region.