Nine people were killed and 10 others injured in a bomb explosion at the Satuditha (charity feast) pandal at the Yantineaung Pagoda compound at the entrance to Lasio in northern Shan State, according to local sources.
The explosion occurred at the “We Love Lashio” sign near the decorated archway at around 11:45 am on 13 April, killing nine civilians and seriously injuring 10 others, according to those present.
“Four people died on the spot. Among them was a child. The others died on the way to the hospital. Some died on arrival at the hospital. Many were injured and are in critical condition,” said a man who helped the victims.
Those present reported that the explosion came from the suspension of a white car, but the Network Media Group (NMG) was still trying to confirm the matter. However, pro-junta Telegram channels spread the news that the explosion occurred at a car belonging to members of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) who were transporting bombs to plant them, injuring four PDF members.
However, a member of a PDF based in northern Shan State said the bombs used in the explosion came from the regime’s arms factories.
“As far as we know, it is a type of C4 explosive auto bomb. This is a very explosive device that is made exclusively by KaPaSa – the regime’s arms factories. They are very expensive and you can’t buy them just because you have money. It is also not available on the black market. I think that is enough for people to understand the situation.”
Network Media Group has not been able to independently confirm the PDF fighter’s claim.
Attendees said there were hardly any revelers in downtown Lasio on the eve of the Thingyan festival, and only Satuditha was served at the Yantineaung pandal where the explosion occurred.
Moreover, the explosion site was only three kilometers, or about a five-minute motorcycle ride, from the central pavilion, which was guarded by junta soldiers.
After the explosion, regime soldiers and social service members took the injured to No. 10 Military Hospital and the general hospital in Lashio. The aid workers said the death toll could rise further.
On April 13, the eve of this year’s Thingyan period, revelers in major Myanmar cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, and Lashio were few and far between, with only non-CDM government staff and military supporters reportedly forced to attend, according to locals.
Sent by NMG.