Shillong, Feb 7: The toll from the explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Mynsyngat–Thangsko area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has risen to 25, police confirmed on February 6, even as search, rescue and investigation operations continued at the hazardous site.
According to an official statement from the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, rescue teams recovered four more bodies from inside the mine during operations on Friday. The death count also increased after an injured miner, who was undergoing treatment at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong, succumbed to his injuries.
Police said two other critically injured victims, who had sustained severe burns and trauma following the blast and the ensuing fire, later died after being brought by family members to Civil Hospital in Khliehriat and Civil Hospital in Jowai. With these fatalities, the number of people who have lost their lives in the incident has reached 25.
Of the total deceased, 17 bodies have been formally identified and handed over to their families after completion of all medico-legal procedures. Authorities said the identification process for the remaining victims is ongoing.
In connection with the incident, police have registered a suo motu case at Khliehriat Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged illegal mining activity and use of explosives.
Two individuals have been arrested so far in the case. They have been identified as Forme Chyrmang, 36, of Jalaphet Pordung, and Shamehi War, 42, of Sutnga Pohwailong, both residents of East Jaintia Hills district. The accused were produced before a court and remanded to three days of police custody.
Police said investigations are continuing to identify other persons involved in the illegal mining operation, while search efforts at the site remain underway amid challenging conditions.
