Chinese National Injured in Myanmar Mining Explosion

Beijing (ANTARA) - A Chinese national was injured following a large explosion near a mining site in Myanmar on Sunday (31/5), according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference in Beijing on Monday (1/6).

“On 31 May 2026, an explosion accident occurred at a warehouse in Namhkam City, Shan State, Myanmar, causing many casualties. One Chinese citizen was injured,” he stated.

The powerful explosion, which occurred around midday in Namhkam, Shan State, took place at a building identified as a storage facility for mining explosives in north-eastern Myanmar on Sunday (31/5).

The blast killed more than 45 people and injured approximately 70 others.

The incident site is located about three kilometres south of the Chinese border, in an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group and political organisation fighting for autonomy in Myanmar.

Following the accident, Lin Jian stated that China immediately verified the situation with relevant parties in Myanmar and requested that all efforts be made to provide medical care for the injured Chinese citizen.

“The injured Chinese citizen is now receiving medical treatment. We will closely follow the investigation into the accident and provide necessary assistance in handling related issues following the incident,” Lin Jian added.

China’s state television, CCTV, reported that many residential houses were damaged by the explosion.

According to preliminary findings, the explosion occurred at a storage facility for mining explosives.

Several Myanmar media outlets reported that the death toll from the incident ranges between 50 and 55 people.

Photos and videos circulating in local media show large plumes of smoke at the scene. Damaged buildings and scattered debris are visible in the area, and rescue operations are still ongoing.

Rescue workers have called upon the public to donate blood at the Namhkam General Hospital as the situation continues to develop.

In a statement posted on their Telegram account, the TNLA admitted to storing highly explosive gelignite or dynamite for use in mining and excavation sites. They added that an investigation into the cause of the explosion has commenced.