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Witnesses tell of devastation from Myanmar village explosion that killed dozens
The Ta'ang National Liberation Army said it will investigate the blast and provide relief after the explosion destroyed much of the village.
An unexplained detonation of explosives stored by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army in Kaung Tat village killed at least 55 people on Sunday, with search-and-recovery efforts ongoing amid widespread devastation.
The TNLA, which controls the village near the Chinese border, stated it had been storing the explosives 'for use in mining operations' before the detonation occurred.
Resident Moe told Reuters that 'everything was completely destroyed beyond recognition,' while a local journalist reported over half the village's houses were destroyed with victims buried under rubble.
The TNLA announced Sunday it would investigate the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and provide relief, healthcare, and rehabilitation for affected residents.
Myanmar's ongoing civil war, which began after a 2021 military coup, has made mineral resources critical revenue for both rebel armies and the military-backed government, explaining the presence of explosives in populated areas.