An unexplained explosion of explosives stored by a rebel army in Myanmar has killed at least 55 people, witnesses said Monday, as search for survivors continued amid widespread devastation.
The blast in Kaung Tat village occurred around noon on Sunday, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) said. Residents and media reported at least 55 dead, with the search ongoing.
"Everything was completely destroyed beyond recognition," resident Moe Z told Bond.az. He was traveling 1.5 miles away when the explosion happened, describing a mushroom cloud of smoke.
The TNLA, which controls the village near the Chinese border, said the explosives were stored for mining operations. The blast left a massive crater and scattered limbs.
