An explosion devastated Kaung Tup, a village in northeastern Myanmar, on Sunday. The blast occurred in a warehouse storing explosives for mining purposes. This area is controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and they described the incident as “accidental.” The cause is still under investigation by local authorities.
Reports indicate that at least 55 people perished, including children. Local media and a rescue worker provided this information. The explosion destroyed large parts of the village, leaving a significant impact on the community.
Videos circulating on social media captured the scene. The footage shows white smoke filling the sky, followed by a second explosion. Initially, some villagers believed the Myanmar military was responsible, as they have reportedly continued attacks despite a cease-fire agreement made in October.
“The sound was so loud that we thought an aircraft was dropping bombs,” said Lway Poe Nge, a resident of Kaung Tup. She recounted how her home was completely destroyed in the blast. Lway Poe Nge and her mother managed to escape their house, but her cousin, who lived next door, did not survive due to falling debris.