Guwahati, Feb. 5 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed his heartfelt condolences over the death of 16 people in a coal mine accident that occurred in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.

Informing that some of the victims might be from Assam, Sarma said his government was in close coordination with the Meghalaya government and the East Jaintia Hills administration. He said that once reports of some victims being from Assam are confirmed, the state government would provide all possible assistance and support to affected families.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the coal mine accident in East Jaintia Hills. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this moment of immense ...