At least 55 people were reportedly killed in a blast in Myanmar's Kaung Tat village, which a rebel army said was caused by the accidental explosion of material stored for use in mining.
The Ta'ang National Liberation Army, which has been engaged in bitter fighting with Myanmar's military junta and controls the village near the Chinese border, said there had been fatalities, without saying how many.
The BBC and local news outlet Shwe Phee Myay News Agency said at least 55 people had died, including 25 women and 30 men, and that dozens more were wounded.
"The Palaung State Liberation Front/TNLA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, were injured, and suffered damage as a result of the explosion," the group said in a statement to Reuters.
It said the explosion that took place at noon local time (0530 GMT), was being investigated and that anyone found responsible would be held accountable. It added relief, healthcare, and rehabilitation for the families affected by the blast would be provided as soon as possible.
Trump says Iran war to end after US midterm elections
Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing
US military says it struck vessel in Caribbean, killing 3
At least 14 killed in explosion at weapons depot in Syria
US hits five Iranian oil tankers after attack on Navy ships
UK gives air traffic provider a week to probe outage that halted flights
Serbia's President Vucic dissolves parliament, calls snap elections
With large crowds attending, Norway lays King Harald to rest
