Explosives depot in Myanmar kill at least 55 people.

At least 55 people were killed and more than 70 others injured in a massive explosion at an explosives depot used in coal mining in northeastern Myanmar.

The incident occurred around midday on May 31st in Kaungtup village, Namkham town, Shan State, in an area controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Images published by Myanmar media showed a massive column of smoke rising from the scene, accompanied by a large fireball and a series of secondary explosions.

The BBC and local news agency Shwe Phee Myay reported that at least 55 people had died, including 25 women and 30 men.

Earlier, according to sources at the scene, rescue teams had found 46 bodies, including 6 children. At least 74 injured people have been taken to medical facilities for treatment, while search and rescue operations are still being urgently carried out. The explosion also caused serious damage to more than 100 homes located near the incident area, according to AFP.

A rescue worker said the death toll could still rise, as the immense force of the explosion caused many houses to collapse, burying victims inside.

China's CCTV television station reported that the explosion caused significant casualties and extensive damage to nearby residential areas, but did not release specific figures.

Initial investigations indicate the explosion occurred at a storage facility containing a large quantity of explosives used in mining and quarrying operations. Following the incident, the TNLA confirmed that the explosive material was gelignite, managed by the force's economic division, and stated that it was an "unintentional accident," and that an investigation into the cause is underway.

Gelignite is an industrial explosive commonly used in mining and rock blasting. However, this material can become unstable and pose a potential explosion hazard if not stored properly or for extended periods.

Source: https://znews.vn/no-kho-thuoc-no-o-myanmar-it-nhat-55-nguoi-thiet-mang-post1655886.html