Shillong, Feb. 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 ...