Coal Mine Explosion in Meghalaya Kills 18, Including Two Nepalis

Two Nepalis from Barahpokhari Rural Municipality of Khotang district in Eastern Nepal are among those killed in a in a coal mine explosion in Umsanghat, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India on Thursday.

The deceased are 27-year-old Purnabahadur Khapangi Magar and 24-year-old Surendra Khapangi Magar.

Four others from Khotang were seriously injured, while a seventh worker survived.

The mine, reportedly illegally operated, used rat-hole mining, a dangerous method involving dynamite to break narrow tunnels through which workers crouch to extract coal.

The explosion occurred around 11:00 local time, and rescue operations are ongoing, with some workers still feared trapped.

The accident is part of a larger blast at the mine, which has killed at least 18 people, according to police reports.

The mine is located in a forested area 72 km from the state capital Shillong.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial aid of 200,000 rupees ($2,215) for each deceased and 50,000 rupees for each injured.