The death toll in the Meghalaya coal mine blast tragedy has risen to 30 after two more injured labourers succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Assam, officials said on Monday.
The two victims, who were being treated at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam’s Cachar district, died late Monday night due to severe burn and blast-related injuries. Both were among the miners critically injured in the explosion that occurred at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya earlier this month.
The blast took place on February 5 at a rat-hole mine in the remote Mynsngat–Thangsko area, triggering a massive rescue and relief operation. Several labourers were killed on the spot, while others were rushed to hospitals in Meghalaya and neighbouring Assam with serious injuries.
Officials said many of the victims were migrant workers from Assam and other states. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families following post-mortem examinations.
In response to the tragedy, the Meghalaya government has ordered a judicial inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the blast and to identify those responsible for allowing illegal mining activities to continue despite existing bans. The Meghalaya High Court has also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought detailed reports from the state authorities.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent dangers of illegal rat-hole mining in the state, which has been banned by the National Green Tribunal but continues to claim lives due to poor enforcement and unsafe working conditions.
Further investigations are underway, while the government is expected to announce compensation for the families of the victims.
- Log in to post comments
