A deafening explosion in an ordnance depot in Shan State East’s Monghsat in Burma yesterday morning could be heard from across the border in Thailand, sources on the Thai-Burma border said.

The cause of the blast was not immediately known. As the place is surrounded on all sides by other military units, the possibility of the explosion triggered by Wa and Shan rebels was slim, agreed all sources. “It could be a short circuit or an inside job of some frustrated soldiers,” said a Thai security source.

The explosion occurred at about 06:00 local time. At least two warehouses including the underground storerooms were destroyed. No outsiders were allowed to go in to help. “There is no death or injury,” a Burmese officer was quoted as assuring a civilian acquaintance.

But according to a Lahu source, three people were killed: a sergeant and two privates.

The new regional commander Brig Gen Than Tun Oo, who until August was serving as Monghsat based Military Operations Command #14 commander, was said to be on a visit at the time of the blast.

The damage was considered important as MOC #14 commands almost all the forces along the Thai-Burma border, opposite Chiangrai, Chiangmai and Maehongson. In addition, the United Wa State Army’s 5 brigades plus the bulk of the anti-Naypyitaw Shan State Army (SSA) South are also located along the border.