Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:28pm on 05 Feb 2026,Thursday India
At least 16 laborers were killed and several remain trapped after an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district Thursday morning. Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed the death toll, stating the exact number trapped is yet to be ascertained. One injured person was referred to Shillong hospital for advanced treatment. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma ordered a comprehensive inquiry, promising strict accountability and legal action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF for each deceased's kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya in 2014 citing environmental damage and safety risks.
