Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], February 6 : Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Friday confirmed that the death toll in the East Jaintia Hills coal mine incident has risen to 19, while eight others remain injured.
He also confirmed that two persons have 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.
"Today, at around 1.30 pm, we recovered one more body. The total death count is now at 19, and eight are injured. The identities of those who died could not be established at this time... Two persons have been arrested during the investigation," Rymbui said.
A total of 19 people were killed in a coal mine explosion that occurred in the Mynsyngat, Thangsko (Thangskai) area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.
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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of victims who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Those who have been injured in the incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each. The incident has left one person with burn injuries.
"Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO posted on X.
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