16 labourers killed in Meghalaya ‘illegal’ coal mine blast; several feared trapped, rescue ops underway

At least 16 labourers lost their lives and several others are believed to be trapped after a blast at an “illegal” coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, according to news agency PTI. Director General of Police I Nongrang said rescue teams have been deployed to carry out search operations, adding that the explosion took place in the Thangsku area earlier in the day.

"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 was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.