Geo World

Myanmar explosion kills 15, dozens injured

YANGON: At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured in a large unexplained explosion and fire in Myanmar's commercial hub and former capital Yangon early on Thursday, officials and witnesses said.

Residents in several areas of the city were woken by the blast around 2am local time (1930GMT), which appeared to have occurred at a medical warehouse in the eastern township of Mingalar Taung Nyunt, sparking a large blaze, witnesses said.

A security official at the scene said 10 men, including three firefighters, and five women had died while at least 65 people were injured, including some 30 firemen.

"We are still trying to make the list. We are also trying to find out the cause of the explosion and the fire," he told.

Fire rescue services were still working to put out the flames, but "were able to control the fire", the official said. (AFP)