A man was killed in a landmine explosion while riding a three-wheeled motorcycle near the entrance of Mayankone village in Chaunghnitkhwa village tract, Kyaikmarraw Township, Mon State.
According to local sources, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. on January 9th, 2025. A husband and wife, returning from their farm, were riding their three-wheeler up a hill at the entrance to Mayankone village when the vehicle triggered a buried landmine, causing an explosion.
The man, identified as U Chit Ma Khone, who was in his 40s, sustained critical injuries, but died en route to Mawlamyine Hospital. His wife suffered minor injuries to her hand but is reported to be in stable condition.
“Around this time of year, farmers are busy fertilizing their rice fields. The couple was returning home when the man, while pushing the three-wheeler uphill with one foot, he triggered the landmine. The explosion caused severe injuries. Though we rushed him to the hospital, he succumbed to his wounds on the way,” said a local villager.
U Chit Ma Khone’s funeral is being arranged in the village.
Chaunghnitkhwa has seen intensified conflict since mid-November 2023, when revolutionary forces launched attacks on the local police station and the Ataran Bridge security post. Hundreds of villagers fled the area to seek safety.
Since the clashes, unexploded ordnance and buried landmines have remained a danger near the entrance to Mayankone village. According to locals, there have been at least five landmine explosions in the area.
“The villagers are living in fear because there’s no one taking responsibility for clearing the mines. These mines are remnants of the recent clashes. Mayankone village is located near military junta camps in Kayinsu and Chaunghnitkhwa villages. We hope the authorities or relevant groups will come and clear the area,” one local resident added.
Although no fighting is currently reported in the area, military junta forces remain stationed in the village. The presence of unexploded ordnance continues to prevent many displaced residents from returning home.
According to UNICEF, nearly 700 people across Myanmar were killed by landmines and explosive remnants from the fighting during the first half of 2024.
