Meghalaya coal mine blast toll rises to 27: NDRF
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The death toll in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills coal mine blast incident has risen to 27 as two bodies were 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 the information of 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 NDRF teams are engaged in the ongoing search and rescue operations," HPS Kandari said.
Operations are underway at the blast site to rescue the trapped mine workers.
Earlier on Friday, Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui confirmed that two persons had been arrested during the ongoing investigation into the mishap. Details regarding the circumstances of the incident and the identities of the deceased are still being ascertained.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in a coal mine accident in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, calling the incident painful.
"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," the President said in a post on X.
