Mizzima
In Mandalay, at approximately 10:30 am on 14 April which is the second day of Thingyan water festival, near the Mayor’s Pavilion, two bombs detonated, resulting in injuries to at least 10 individuals, according to a local resident.
The explosions occurred in the car and bike parking area adjacent to the Mayor’s Pavilion, situated between 26th and 27th Street.
“I initially couldn’t pinpoint the source of the explosion. Upon hearing the sound, I fled. While fleeing, I heard another blast. People scattered around the Mandalay moat and city walls. Performances at the mayor’s pavilion also ceased,” said a taxi driver awaiting passengers on 26th Street.
A nearby resident said, “The blasts occurred in the car parking and bike stop area. There were one or two detonations roughly five minutes apart. As of now, I haven’t heard of any fatalities. However, more than 10 individuals sustained injuries.”
Despite extensive armed security deployed throughout the vicinity to safeguard the Mayor’s Pavilion and ensure visitor safety, the bombs were still detonated.
“The Mayor’s Pavilion is in close proximity to the city hall and municipal office. Following the bomb explosion, festivities and entertainment for Thingyan ceased. The area has been evacuated but festivities and entertainment resumed later in the evening,” said a charity worker who arrived to assist the injured.
The wounded have been transported to Mandalay Hospital, and charity workers have been prohibited by the Military Council from disseminating images of the injured.
In the aftermath of the explosion, reports indicate that the Military Council is conducting clearance operations for landmines and bombs around the Mandalay moat and city walls, with a focus on inspecting young bikers, as reported by residents.
Despite the bomb blasts, it has been reported that the Mayor’s Pavilion remained crowded with individuals engaging in water activities on the evening of 14 April and into 15 April.
