An explosion rocked a primary school in Einsheypyin ward, at the entrance of Dawei town, located in Tanintharyi Region, claiming the life of a child and leaving over 20 others injured. Locals report that among the injured, some are in critical condition raising concerns about their survival.

On June 3, the day before the explosion, clashes erupted between Junta troops and resistance forces in Einsheypyin ward. The explosion occurred around noon on June 4 while children were playing during the school's lunch break.

The explosion tragically claimed the life of a child instantly, while leaving over 20 children injured, including some who suffered the loss of their legs, locals reported.

"The explosion occurred during lunch break. It seems the child who passed away had been playing with an unexploded bomb, which it was detonated. We are still gathering details”, a Dawei resident told Than Lwin Times.

The severely injured children were transported to Dawei hospital with assistance from social relief groups, while the school remains closed at present.

The area around the school has been cordoned off by Junta troops, and clearance procedures are currently in progress, according to witnesses.

The information officer of People's Defense Force - Dawei (PDF-Dawei) claimed that the explosion resulted from either a deliberate landmine planted by Junta troops after the clashes, or unexploded ammunition left by them.

Neither the Junta nor the resistance forces have issued any official statements regarding the tragic blast at the school yet.

Schools across the nation reopened on June 3, and this explosion marks the first incident of its kind to occur at a school in the new school year.