Locals from Lashio township have reported that on April 13 at approximately 11:30 am, a bomb detonated near the Thingyan pavilion of Yan Taing Aung Pagoda in Lashio, Shan State, resulting in the death of at least 4 individuals and causing injury to more than 10 others.

The explosion occurred in a parking lot near the Yan Taing Aung Thingyan Pavilion in Lashio Township, resulting in the death of more than 4 individuals, 3 of whom were disfigured, and causing injury to more than 10 others, a relief worker told the Shan Herald.

According to one of the rescuers, "Three out of the four individuals who died were severely disfigured, and we are unable to identify them. Additionally, there are at least 10 individuals who were injured in the explosion, and it is possible that there are more."

The site of the explosion was the Thingyan pavilion, which was run by the Military Council, and was planned to be opened on April 13, the evening of Thingyan pre-day.

"The explosion did not happen in the pavilion. If it was in the pavilion, a lot of people would have died. Even our house shook. Now the entrance and exit of the pavilion is closed. People can't get out. We cannot go to see the situation either," a man in his 40s in Lashio told the Shan Herald.

As a result of the bomb blast, people were killed and injured, and cars and motorcycles were also damaged. Currently, security and inspection are being tightened by the Military Council troops.

During Thingyan, the People's Defense Forces (PDF) issued a letter not to play or participate in the Thingyan pavilions organized by the Military Council.

It is not yet known which group is responsible for the current bomb explosion.