Rescue teams recover bodies after explosives blast in Myanmar

Rescue teams have been digging through the rubble of the destroyed depot in Kaungtup village since Monday using excavators and explosives. More than a dozen rescue and aid organisations are involved in the recovery effort to retrieve bodies from the debris. The explosion occurred on Sunday around midday in northeastern Myanmar, directly on the border with China.

The destroyed camp belonged to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an armed rebel group operating in the region. According to initial investigations, the detonation was an accident – the explosives were intended for mining activities and were being stored by the group. The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Death toll continues to rise

The number of deaths has increased since initial reports. On Monday, local authorities confirmed at least 38 deaths, while Italian news agencies now report 55 victims. Many more people are missing; the final toll could be even higher.

The region on Myanmar's northern border is marked by armed conflicts between rebel groups and the military junta. Mining and explosives storage are common in these areas, which increases the risks of accidents. The explosion underscores the dangerous conditions under which armed groups operate in this zone.