The death toll from the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has risen to 27, with two additional bodies recovered during ongoing search operations, according to a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official on Saturday. HPS Kandari, an NDRF official, reported that the remains were found while search teams continue to look for several labourers still believed to be trapped underground.
Kandari explained that, based on district administration reports, 18 bodies were found on February 5, followed by four more on February 6, and the two additional bodies on Saturday. Three NDRF teams are actively participating in the search and rescue operations, with efforts ongoing to locate the missing workers.
On Friday, Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui announced the detention of two individuals as part of the investigation into the incident, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of the explosion and identify the victims involved.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as heart-wrenching. In a message posted on X, she stated, “It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences and announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. He noted his pain over the incident and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Families of the deceased will receive ₹2 lakh each, while the injured will be provided ₹50,000 under the relief package.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has initiated a thorough investigation into the blast, which occurred at an alleged unauthorized coal mine in the Thangskai area. He pledged that accountability would be established and that strict legal actions would be enforced against those deemed responsible. Police have reported that several people are still unaccounted for, leading to a suo motu FIR being lodged at Khliehriat police station under various legal provisions, including the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Justice (retd) BP Katakey, overseeing compliance in mining matters, visited Thangskai and confirmed that illegal mining activities were occurring on a significant scale in the area.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/states/northeast/meghalaya-coal-mine-blast-death-toll-rises-to-27-as-ndrf-recovers-two-more-bodies-1825962
Category: Northeast
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Publish Date: 2026-02-07 20:00:00
