Myanmar village devastated by massive blast; 55 dead as rescuers search rubble

A powerful explosion tore through a village in Myanmar’s conflict-hit Shan State on Sunday, killing at least 55 people and leaving a trail of destruction that rescue teams were still working through a day later, according to local media reports.

The blast struck Kaung Tat village in Namhkam Township near the China border, an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The incident has triggered an investigation amid claims by the armed group that the explosion was caused by the accidental detonation of materials allegedly stored for mining activities.

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The scale of the devastation emerged gradually as rescue personnel searched damaged buildings and cleared debris through Sunday evening. Local reports cited by the BBC said the dead included 25 women and 30 men, making it one of the deadliest such incidents reported in the region in recent months.

According to local media, the explosion occurred around noon and caused extensive damage across the village. The explosion ripped through large parts of the village, damaging more than 100 houses. Several buildings collapsed, while many families were left homeless as entire stretches of the settlement lay devastated.

Rescue efforts continue amid widespread destruction

Emergency teams spent hours combing through wreckage in search of survivors while also recovering bodies trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities and local organisations were continuing to assess the full extent of the damage as operations remained underway.

Several families were left displaced after homes were either destroyed or rendered unsafe, according to local reports.

TNLA launches probe into explosion

In a statement posted on Telegram, the Palaung State Liberation Front, the political wing of the TNLA, expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

“The Palaung State Liberation Front/TNLA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, were injured, and suffered damage as a result of the explosion,” the group said.

The organisation said an inquiry had been initiated to establish the exact cause of the blast and pledged accountability if responsibility is determined.

It also said efforts were underway to assist those affected by the tragedy and provide support to victims and their families.

Conflict-hit region near China border

Namhkam Township lies in northern Shan State, a region that has witnessed prolonged fighting involving ethnic armed groups and Myanmar’s military government. The TNLA exercises control over parts of the area, where security conditions remain fragile.

Rescue and recovery operations were continuing on Monday as authorities worked to determine whether more victims remained trapped beneath the debris.