SHILLONG, FEB 5: Bodies of 16 labourers haveb been recovered following an explosion at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills’ Thangsku area.
Confirming this, district police chief Vikash Kumar said, “16 bodies have been recovered so far.”
He said that one person was injured and referred to Shillong from Sutnga PHC.
Kumar said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on the way to further help police with the rescue operations.
The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation.
“Yes, it seems like that,” Kumar said when asked if the mine was illegal.
Further details are awaited as investigations are set to follow. “This is a matter of inquiry and investigation,” Kumar said.
