The death toll in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills coal mine explosion incident has risen to 27 as two bodies have been recovered during rescue operations, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official said. NDRF Commandant HPS Kandari told ANI that two bodies have been recovered.
“As per information received from the district administration, 18 bodies were recovered on February 5, four bodies were recovered on February 6 and two bodies were recovered on Saturday. Three teams of NDRF are engaged in search and rescue operations,” HPS Kandari said.
Operations are underway to rescue mine workers trapped at the blast site. On Friday, Meghalaya Minister Lakhmen Rymbui confirmed that two people have been arrested during the ongoing investigation into the accident. Information is still being collected about the circumstances of the incident and the identity of the deceased.
President Draupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives and property in the coal mine accident in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district and described the incident as tragic.
“Deeply saddened to hear the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the President said in a post on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation as ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of the deceased will be given Rs 2 lakh per family and those injured in the incident will be given Rs 50,000.
“Distressed by the accident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the speedy recovery of the injured be known,” the Prime Minister said in a post on Χ.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident at the suspected illegal coal mine in Thangsky area of East Jaintia Hills district. He stressed that the culprits will be punished and strict legal action will be taken against them.