13 December 2023

In a recent incident reported by Myanmar State media, the Mandalay-Yangon passenger train fell victim to an attack involving remote mines in Kyauktagar township. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the aftermath.

The train, led by locomotive No. DF/2083 and helmed by locomotive driver U Khin Maung Than, departed from Mandalay Station at 5 pm on December 12 bound for Yangon. According to the report, at approximately 3:45 am on December 13, as the train traversed between railway mile post No. 103 mile 24 furlong and 104 mile 1 furlong, roughly 7500 meters southeast of Kyauktagar township, it came under attack by KNLA and PDF forces who deployed remote mines from both sides of the tracks, said report.

The explosive impact caused the locomotive and two coaches to derail, resulting in significant damage to the train tracks and sleeper blocks. However, despite the derailment, both railway staff and passengers emerged unharmed from the incident.

Efforts are underway by relevant authorities to promptly initiate repair work at the site of the railway damage. Additionally, security forces are intensifying measures to ensure the area's security in light of this attack.

-ymg/knl