YANGON (AFP) – Four people were killed in eastern Myanmar yesterday after a series of car bombs exploded at a pagoda where a crowd had gathered to mark the start of the country’s new year, a rescue worker and a security source said.
The country has been in turmoil since a 2021 coup, with the army and anti-junta fighters frequently clashing.
The Thingyan festival, usually a joyful celebration involving public water fights, has become politicised since the coup, with pro-democracy advocates calling for boycotts of junta-supported events.
Shortly before midday, explosions destroyed at least three vehicles near Yan Taing Aung pagoda in eastern Shan state’s Lashio township, local media reported.
“Four men were killed on spot from the blast area,” said a Lashio rescue worker who transported the dead and wounded away from the site. He told AFP 12 people were wounded and two were in serious condition at a hospital.
A security source also confirmed the death toll and told AFP authorities had scoured the area for further explosives.
