16 Killed, Several Feared Trapped After Explosion Inside Illegal Coal Mine In Meghalaya

Thangsku: At least 16 people are feared to have been killed after an explosion trapped them deep inside a suspected illegal coal mine at a village in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday. The blast took place in the Thangsku area. 

Several labourers have died, and more are feared to be still trapped inside the mine, sources said. The explosion is suspected to have occurred during illegal coal mining activities at the site, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and leading to the casualties. At least one person was found injured following the explosion. 

According to reports, local residents rushed to the spot after the blast. Meghalaya police reached the spot promptly. A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been called to the spot, police said. The exact sequence of events leading to the explosion has not been ascertained yet, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion. 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a statutory body which handles environmental disputes, had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks. It had also restricted illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods.

Further details are awaited as a rescue operation is underway.