Shillong, February 5: At least 18 people were killed and one sustained critical injuries in a dynamite blast at an illegal coal mine in the Mynsyngat–Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, officials said.
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Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed that four bodies have been recovered from the remote mining site, while one seriously injured person, who suffered severe burn injuries, has been shifted to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. Rescue and recovery operations are still underway.
Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services were rushed to the spot to assist in the operation. Officials expressed concern that the death toll could rise, as reports from the area suggest more miners may be trapped after a portion of the hill collapsed following the explosion.
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Police said the identities of the deceased are yet to be established. While there are unverified reports that some of the victims may be migrant workers from Assam, officials said no confirmation was available at the time of filing this report.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with illegal coal mining in Meghalaya’s coal belt, where recurring fatalities of labourers continue to raise serious safety and regulatory concerns.
