'More than 45' killed after blast at building storing explosives in Myanmar

Scores of people have been killed following a blast at a building in northeastern Myanmar.

The site, in the village of Kaungtup, Namhkam township, was believed to have been storing mining explosives when the incident happened on Sunday around midday local time (6.30am UK time).

A rescue worker said the bodies of 46 people, including six children, were recovered by the evening and taken to be cremated.

Some 74 injured people had been taken to the township hospital and rescue operations were continuing, the worker added.

Another rescuer said more than 100 nearby houses were damaged.

The area, located about two miles south of the Chinese border, is controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group which has been fighting the country's government.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said early investigations suggested the blast occurred at a site where large amounts of explosives used for mining operations were kept.

It said local authorities were helping affected residents with medical care and resettlement.

The TNLA said gelignite had been stored by the group's economic department for use in mining and stone quarrying sites, and that an investigation into the cause of the explosion was under way.

Gelignite is used a lot in mining and rock blasting, but can be very unstable over time and if poorly stored.

The TNLA is part of the rebel Three Brotherhood Alliance, and has controlled the Namhkam area since the alliance and its allies launched a major offensive against the military in northeastern Myanmar in late 2023.

The alliance members and other ethnic armed groups have fought for increased autonomy.

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Relations between the TNLA and Myanmar's military remain tense despite the sides agreeing on a ceasefire following China-mediated talks last October.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on 1 February 2021, sparking widespread popular opposition.

After peaceful demonstrations were suppressed with lethal force, many opponents armed themselves, and large parts of the country are now affected by conflict.

(c) Sky News 2026: 'More than 45' killed after blast at building storing explosives in Myanmar