Explosion damages railway bridges in Mandalay Region

An explosion yesterday morning damaged the iron frame and concrete bridges between mileposts 353/24 and 354/1 along the Yangon-Mandalay railway in Kyaukse Township, Mandalay Region. The blast destroyed two feet of rail on each bridge and damaged concrete sleepers.
Upon investigation, authorities found an undetonated mine, leading to the temporary shutdown of all transport on the Minzu-Kyaukse railway section. After taking security measures, the mine was deactivated, and the railway was repaired, and authorities and railway staff reopened the railway section in the afternoon.
Although passenger trains were not affected, cargo trains faced disruptions due to the destruction of concrete sleepers and the 75-lb railway track. Terrorist groups are suspected of committing the blast.
Since 1 February 2021, these terrorist groups have been implicating in 130 mining incidents and explosions within railway areas and stations, 49 blasts on railway bridges, and 12 instances of torching stations and employee housings. Their actions aim to destabilize rule of law and endanger the safety of travellers, drawing widespread condemnation from the public. — MNA/NT