16 Killed in Explosion at Illegal Coal Mine in Meghalaya

At least 16 labourers were killed and several others are feared trapped after an explosion at an allegedly illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on Thursday. Police said rescue operations are ongoing at the Thangsku site, with one injured worker shifted to a hospital in Shillong. The exact cause of the blast is under investigation, and the identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed. Authorities said reports about victims being from Assam remain unverified, while an official inquiry has been ordered.