BANGKOK: The death toll from an explosion at an industrial explosives warehouse in Myanmar's Shan State stands at 55 and may increase further, according to the Shwe Phee Myay news agency on Monday (June 1), reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
The blast occurred on Sunday at a warehouse storing industrial explosives used for mining and blasting operations in Shan State, in an area controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
The group said in a statement that the facility contained explosives intended for mining activities.
Among the victims are 25 women and 30 men, including six children and teenagers, the agency reported.
Many others were injured, several of them seriously, raising the possibility that the death toll could climb further, the report said.
Search and rescue operations and debris clearance at the explosives warehouse are ongoing, Shwe Phee Myay reported, citing rescuers at the scene.
Rescuers noted they do not yet have precise data on how many people were in or near the warehouse at the time of the blast.
A citizen of China was injured in the explosion, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a briefing.
He added that Beijing will continue to monitor the investigation and provide necessary assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the incident.
According to Shwe Phee Myay, more than 100 homes in Namhkam township, where the warehouse was located, were damaged in the explosion. - Bernama-Sputnik/Ria Novosti
