Meghalaya: State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are at the site of the explosion in Meghalaya where several people are feared to be trapped inside a coal mine. The explosion took place on Thursday afternoon at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills. The death toll in the incident has jumped to 18.

A video of the explosion showed thick plumes of smoke rising in the air following the explosion. As per reports, the intensity of the blast was so high that nearby quarry structures were destroyed.

Probable Cause of Explosion Hinted

A police team is also at the site to investigate the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary reports indicate that the blast was caused by a high-intensity dynamite explosion used for mining activities. The explosion triggered the collapse of adjoining mine shafts, trapping workers deep underground.

PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of people killed in the explosion.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000."

President Droupadi Murmu also condoled the death of labourers, saying, “It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured.”

State Orders Inquiry

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangam ordered a state-level inquiry into the incident. “Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives.” He added, "In this moment of sorrow, the State stands in solidarity with all those affected."

Coal Ministry Working With Meghalaya Govt

Union Minister For Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said that the Coal Ministry is working with the Meghalaya government to fix accountability and to ensure that such incident do not take place in future. Reddy said, "The tragic incident where several people lost their lives in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has caused me deep anguish.   The Ministry of Coal is in touch with the Meghalaya Government to ensure a swift rescue of those that are still trapped inside.  I have also instructed the Ministry to seek a full fledged report from the State Government so that accountability is fixed and such incidents are not repeated."