Bhubaneswar, Feb. 5 -- At least 16 labourers lost their lives in a tragic explosion at an alleged illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, triggering urgent rescue operations amid fears that more workers remain trapped underground. The incident occurred in the Thangsku area during the morning hours, according to state police officials.

Rescue Operations Underway

Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed that 16 bodies have been recovered so far. However, the exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is still unclear. "More people are feared trapped," she said, adding that search and rescue teams have been deployed at the site and operations are ongoing.

Injured...