At Least 46 Dead After Building Housing Mining Explosives Blows Up In Northern Myanmar

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 21:33 IST

The blast took place around noon in Kaungtup village in Namhkam township, an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group.

At least 46 people have been killed after a building storing explosives used for mining blew up in northern Myanmar on Sunday, according to rescue workers and local reports, with the death toll expected to rise as search operations continue.

The blast took place around noon in Kaungtup village in Namhkam township, near the Chinese border, an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group.

Massive blast tears through village

A first responder told The Associated Press that 46 bodies, including those of children, were recovered from the site by Sunday evening and sent for cremation. The same rescuer said more than 70 people were injured and taken to a township hospital for treatment.

Another rescuer said the death toll could be higher, estimating around 40 fatalities and reporting widespread destruction, including damage to more than 100 homes near the explosion site.

Independent Myanmar media outlets have reported varying figures, with some placing the toll between 50 and 55. Images circulating on local media showed thick smoke, collapsed structures and debris scattered across the village following the blast.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV also confirmed multiple casualties and heavy damage to nearby residential buildings, citing preliminary findings that the explosion occurred at a site where large quantities of mining explosives were being stored.

The TNLA said in a statement on its Telegram channel that gelignite had been kept at the building by its economic department for use in mining and stone quarrying activities. It added that an investigation had been launched into the cause of the explosion.

Gelignite, widely used in mining and rock blasting, can become highly unstable if not stored properly over time.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, triggering armed resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic armed organisations across the country. The TNLA is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which has been engaged in ongoing clashes with the military and currently controls parts of northern Shan State.

Local authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations, while providing medical assistance and temporary shelter to those affected by the blast, according to reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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