Shwe Phee Myay, Namhkam, May 31
An accidental explosion at an explosives depot in Namhkam, a township controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State, today has left at least 55 people dead and dozens more injured, according to local rescue workers and officials.
The blast occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. today in Kaung Tat Village, located in Namhkham Township, northern Shan State. The TNLA released a statement in the evening clarifying that the incident involved blasting gelatin (commercial plastic explosives) stored by its Economic Department for local mining and quarrying operations.
The powerful detonation devastated the immediate area, leveling multiple homes and leaving a scene of widespread destruction.
Local rescue personnel confirmed that the death toll has rapidly climbed to 55 victims, consisting of 25 women and 30 men.
With dozens of others severely injured and many still unaccounted for, authorities fear the casualty count will continue to rise.
“This is just the preliminary tally collected by our volunteer rescue groups,” a rescue worker on the scene told Shwe Phee Myay.
“We are still actively pulling victims out from underneath the heavy rubble. At this point, it is impossible to say what the final death toll will be.”
Emergency responders have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, pleading with local residents to immediately visit the Namhkham Public Hospital to assist the influx of wounded.
In its official statement, the TNLA expressed its deep condolences to the victims and the families of the deceased.
Admitting ownership of the materials, the TNLA confirmed that the explosives were under the management of its Economic Department for commercial mining purposes.
The group announced that a comprehensive investigation into the exact cause of the detonation is underway, promising that those responsible will face legal action under the law.
Furthermore, the TNLA pledged that its relevant administrative departments are currently coordinating to deliver immediate emergency relief, medical treatment, and long-term rehabilitation support to the affected community.
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Translated by #KLT
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