At least 17 people have died and 80 were injured after an early morning explosion at a warehouse storing gunpowder, likely for use at mine blast sites, in Myanmar's biggest city of Yangon, police and fire officials have said.
The explosion caused a massive blaze that was only brought under control by late morning, officials said.
A police officer, who declined to be named, said 12 men and five women had been confirmed dead and further deaths were expected.
The blast occurred at around 2am (7.30pm on Wednesday Irish time) in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township in the east of Yangon, Myanmar's former capital and its main commercial centre.
Some witnesses said the fire had triggered several smaller blasts. Police said three firemen were among the dead.
Television pictures showed rescue teams carrying casualties on stretchers in the darkness around what appeared to be badly damaged buildings.
Witnesses said houses and factories were damaged but an early report that fire had spread to a nearby shipyard was not confirmed.
The shock from the explosion was felt by many people in eastern and central Yangon.
