Namhkam,May 31: A massive blast in Myanmar killed at least 45 and left more than 70 critical on Sunday.

The explosion reportedly took place at a warehouse located at Kaungtup in Namhkam Township that stored huge quantity of explosives meant for mining.

The area, located about 3 kilometeres south of the Chinese border, is under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, an ethnic armed group which has engaged in sporadic fighting against Myanmar's central government.

A rescue worker who rushed to the site of the blast told media that 46 bodies, including six children, had been recovered by Sunday evening and taken for cremation.

The rescuer, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said 74 injured people had been transported to the township hospital and rescue operations were continuing.

Local authorities are currently providing relief, medical care and resettlement assistance to affected residents.