Meghalaya Coal Mine Blast: 16 Dead, Many Feared Trapped in Illegal Operation

• At least 16 laborers died in a massive explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.
• Several other workers are feared trapped inside the mine following the incident in the Thangsku area.
• Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed the recovery of 16 bodies and ongoing rescue operations.
• One injured person was referred to a hospital in Shillong due to critical condition.
• Police suspect the explosion occurred during illegal rat-hole coal mining, which was banned by the NGT in 2014.