India, Feb. 5 -- At least 16 labourers were killed and several others are feared trapped after an explosion at an allegedly illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, police said.

Director General of Police I Nongrang said 16 bodies have been recovered so far, but the exact number of workers inside the mine at the time of the blast is still unknown.

"More people are feared trapped," he said.

One injured worker was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said.

Asked about the legality of the mining operation, Kumar said, "Yes, it seems like that."

He added that the cau...