Shillong, Feb 5: In a devastating tragedy, several labourers were killed in a blast occurred in an illegal coal mine at Thangsku in East Jaintia Hills district. Bodies of 16 labourers have been recovered till filing of this report.
“16 bodies have been recovered so far,” district superintendent of police, Vikash Kumar, said while confirming the incident.
An injured person, who was rushed to Sutnga PHC, was referred to Shillong for further treatment.
Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were on the way to carry out further rescue operations, the SP said.
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 is set to follow. “This is a matter of inquiry and investigation,” Kumar said.
