Train carrying Myanmar artists rocked by explosion

By DMG 30 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
30 March 2022, Sittwe

Trade associations representing musicians, journalists and comedians condemned an attack this week apparently targeting a train carrying several artists on tour in upper Myanmar.

The train was transporting a group of artists to the Goteik Viaduct in Shan State from Mandalay’s Pyin Oo Lwin when it was rocked by the detonation of an explosive device on Tuesday morning. The floor of a coach car was blown up, but no one was injured in the attack.

A comedian who asked for anonymity called the incident a terrorist act.

“They should not have blown up the train. It is like a death threat to artists. So, I strongly condemn it,” said the comedian.

The military regime-appointed Myanmar Press Council, Myanmar Music Association and Myanmar Comedian Association all denounced the attack. Though the organisations did not mention the names of the train passengers, some 20 artists including Shwe Yupar Oo, a well-known junta sympathiser, were reportedly on board when the blast occurred.

“The attack was not new. Similar mine attacks have happened for months. It is dangerous to travellers. So, I condemn such an act,” said a Myanma Railways staff member who asked for anonymity.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack.

Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, sections of Myanmar’s railroad network have been blown up in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magwe and Tanintharyi regions, as well as in Mon State, forcing Myanma Railways to temporarily halt train services on routes using the affected tracks.