Huge blast kills dozens in Kaung Tat, a village in Namkham Township in Shan State, near the Chinese border, on Sunday; a source familiar with the situation confirmed that 25 women and 30 men died in the incident. Other reports have provided slightly different figures.

Explosion Caused by Mining Explosives

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which controls the area and has been fighting the military junta, stated that explosives used in mining and quarrying had gone off. According to the group’s statement. The “accidental explosion” occurred around 12:00 local time (05:30 GMT) on Sunday.

“Because of this explosion, many local villagers lost their lives and suffered injuries and damage to their homes,” the TNLA said in a statement — the group did not provide additional details about the incident.

Residents Describe Chaos and Destruction

Footage from the scene showed a vast crater of earth and rubble, surrounded by shattered buildings. Smoke continued to rise from charred debris and twisted trees. A resident shared her experience on social media, stating that many initially believed the blast was caused by an air strike.

Among the dead were children, and hundreds of homes were damaged, affecting nearly an entire neighborhood. One resident described how her phone “saved my life.” She said she was sitting in her bedroom eating noodles when the explosion occurred. If she had been in the kitchen, she likely would not have survived.

The resident, who sustained a minor leg injury and lost her home, described scenes of panic and grief following the blast. “People were crying, calling out for their parents,” she wrote. “It felt as if the world had come to an end.”

She questioned why a facility containing explosives had been allowed to operate close to residential areas. She added that families of those killed would not be satisfied unless the authorities provided a full explanation.

Rebel Groups and Mining Operations

The TNLA is one of the most powerful ethnic armed groups opposing the junta in Myanmar. Many of the country’s rebel groups rely on mining precious minerals to fund their campaigns. Due to lax safety measures, mine collapses and other accidents are common, according to AFP.

Residents and observers have expressed concern about the safety of such facilities located near populated areas. The incident raises questions about the oversight of mining operations in conflict zones and the impact on civilian populations.