At least 46 people were killed and more than 70 injured in an explosion in northern Myanmar’s Shan State on Sunday, according to two rescue workers. The blast occurred in Namkham district, where rebels said it was caused by explosives used in mining operations. One rescue worker reported that six children were among the dead and warned that more bodies might still be trapped under the debris. Another emergency worker, speaking anonymously, suggested the death toll could be higher and said many houses were destroyed.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which controls the area, stated that many local residents were killed or injured and their homes damaged. TNLA is part of the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” along with the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The alliance had agreed to a ceasefire with the military in early 2024 through Chinese mediation but resumed attacks in Shan and Mandalay regions that June.

The explosion adds to instability in northern Myanmar, where ethnic armed groups and the military have repeatedly clashed despite previous ceasefire efforts.