Meghalaya coal mine tragedy: 18 bodies recovered, says CM Sangma

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday confirmed that at least 18 bodies of labourers have been recovered so far from a collapsed illegal coal mine at Thangsko in the coal-rich East Jaintia Hills district, even as search and rescue operations continue. Speaking to reporters here, Sangma said the incident occurred earlier in the day when a powerful dynamite blast triggered the collapse of the illegal mine, trapping several workers inside. The explosion reportedly took place around 11.30 a.m. during mining activity. The Chief Minister said two cabinet ministers — Wailadmiki Shylla and Lahkmen Rymbui — have been directed to visit the accident site to oversee the situation and coordinate relief and rescue efforts. The site is located in a remote area, around a three-hour journey from the district headquarters at Khliehriat.