LOC22:09
19:09 GMT
NEW DELHI, Feb 5 (KUNA) -- At least 18 Indian labourers were killed, and several others feared trapped on Thursday following an explosion at a coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district of northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya.
The Press Trust of India said quoting East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar that a total of 18 bodies were recovered from the site during rescue operations as the blast took place inside an illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area of the district.
Meghalaya Director General of Police I Nongrang said that more people are feared trapped as exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed ordered an investigation into the incident. (end)
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