Home / Disasters and Accidents / Malta Fireworks Blast Mistaken for Myanmar Explosion
Malta Fireworks Blast Mistaken for Myanmar Explosion
15 Jun
Summary
- A video of a fireworks factory explosion in Malta was falsely shared as Myanmar blast.
- The fake video garnered over 500,000 views on social media platforms.
- Geolocating confirmed the widely shared explosion video originated in Naxxar, Malta.
A video purporting to show a deadly explosion in Myanmar's Namhkam township on May 31, 2026, has been debunked as false. The seven-second clip, which accumulated over 500,000 views, was shared on Burmese social media platforms, claiming to depict a blast at a rebel-held facility. However, investigations revealed the footage actually shows a fireworks factory explosion in Malta.
This misleading video was linked to an accidental detonation of mining explosives in Myanmar's Shan state, which killed dozens and injured many. While the TNLA reported 43 deaths, rescuers indicated 59 fatalities. One Chinese national was confirmed injured by Beijing. The circulated video, however, was geolocated by AFP to Naxxar, Malta.
Further analysis traced the footage to news reports from June 1, 2026, detailing an explosion at a Maltese fireworks factory that injured two individuals. Google Maps Street View imagery confirmed the location in Naxxar, Malta, matching foreground buildings seen in the video. AFP has previously debunked misinformation related to the Myanmar unrest.
