A blast tore through a mining explosives storage facility around noon on Sunday, May 31, in Kaungtup (also called Kaung Tat) village, Namhkam township, Shan state, Myanmar. The explosion killed between 40 and 55 people and injured dozens more, according to reports from multiple sources [1, 2].
The village where the blast occurred is controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group currently in a ceasefire with the Myanmar military [1, 2]. Authorities said the explosion involved stockpiled explosives intended for mining activities [1, 2].
Damage from the blast was extensive, with more than 100 houses in the surrounding area reported destroyed or heavily damaged [1]. At least six of those killed were children, though some reports vary on the exact number of victims [1].
Casualty figures differ slightly. One source reported 40 to 46 deaths including six children, while another cited at least 55 fatalities, breaking down into 25 women and 30 men [1, 2]. Injuries were also described variably as about 70 or simply “dozens” [1, 2].
The TNLA released a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims. "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 and pledged to support relief efforts and investigate the cause [2].
Emergency response and investigations remain ongoing. Local authorities and the TNLA continue to assess the full scale of destruction and support affected residents.
