Myanmar: gunpowder explosion while making festival balloon sparks fire in Taunggyi, 2 dead
A gunpowder explosion at a house in Taunggyi, Myanmar, on Oct 24 while a night festival balloon was being assembled started a fire, killing two people including a 14-year-old; three remain hospitalized.
Local media in Myanmar reported that at about 19:20 on Oct 24, gunpowder being mixed for a large night festival balloon exploded at a house on Myay Yadanar Road in Kanda quarter, Taunggyi, starting a fire.
A 14-year-old student who had come to watch the balloon being made died at the scene. A 40-year-old man injured in the blast died at Se Saut Tun Hospital in Taunggyi at about 02:10 on Oct 26, bringing the death toll to two. Hospital officials said three injured people remain hospitalized, one in critical condition. Taunggyi police have opened an investigation.
Large night festival balloons used during the traditional Tazaungdaing balloon festival require gunpowder, and local balloon specialists warn that mixing and storing gunpowder must be strictly controlled to prevent fire and explosion risks.
Translated by 119zj