At least 16 killed in explosion in coal mine of Meghalaya, several feared trapped

At least sixteen people have been killed, and several are feared trapped after an explosion occurred in a suspected illegal coal mine in Thangsku village, East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on Thursday, said the police.

SDRF, police and local administration are engaged in search and rescue operations.

"The incident took place in the Thangsku (Thangskai) area on Thursday. Several labourers trapped inside the coal mine following an explosion. SDRF, police, and local administration engaged in search and rescue operations. So far, 16 bodies have been recovered. One person received burn injuries," said Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Kumar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 16 victims. While the injured will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each.

Taking to X the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wrote, “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,”