16 labourers dead, several others feared trapped after blast in ‘illegal’ coal mine in Meghalaya
Shillong: At least 16 labourers were killed and several others feared trapped following an explosion at an “illegal” coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district today.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang said the incident occurred in the Thangsku area in the morning.
“We have recovered 16 bodies so far. The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped,” she said.
One person who sustained injuries in the blast was initially taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being referred to a Shillong hospital for better treatment, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks, while also restricting illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods.
