Feb 5 (Reuters) - European football's most prestigious prize found itself rubbing shoulders with American sports royalty this week, as the Champions League trophy made its first-ever appearance at Super Bowl festivities in San Francisco.
NEW DELHI: At least eighteen people lost their lives and one got injured after an explosion occurred Thursday at around 11am at a rat-hole coal mine in the Thangsku area in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya .
Also, several labourers are feared trapped inside the coal mine following the explosion. The injured labourer has sustained critical injuries. He was initially admitted at the Sutnga Primary Health Centre, but later was shifted to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. However, his condition continues to remain critical, as per the hospital sources.Rescue teams, including that of State Disaster Response Force , police and local administration have reached the spot and carrying out search and rescue operations. Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar has confirmed the explosion occured today morning and said immediate steps were taken, and assistance from the SDRF was sought to carry out rescue operations. Also, three teams of the National Disaster Response Force rsuhed to the explosion site to pace up the rescue operations.According to the preliminary investigations, the coal mine was operating illegally. It was violating the existing safety norms and the long-standing ban on rat-hole coal mining in the region. However, the exact cause of the exploasion has not been confirmed by the authrities as of now. Investigation is underway to identify the reason as well as those responsible for the illegal operation of the mine. Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the use of high-intensity dynamite for mining operations led to the explosion. Notably, the explosion triggered collapse of adjoining mine shafts and quarry structures, which further intensified the damage.Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the explosion. He tweeted: “Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.”CM Sangma affirmed that strict action will be taken against individuals who are involved in any kind of illegal activities. He said, “Whoever is responsible for this particular incident, very strict action will be taken. We will not let anybody who is involved in this, let go. But at the same time, with the start of scientific mining, it is expected that all miners will apply for the mining. Now, there is an option. These are things that cannot be tolerated anymore…We are waiting for further report that comes in, based on that I will be in regular touch with the press…”Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund . The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. In a message posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.” - The Statesman/ANNPhilippine House justice committee's dismissal of impeachment raps against President Marcos seen affecting VP Sara’s case
Meghalaya Coal Mine Explosion East Jaintia Hills Illegal Mining Rat-Hole Mining Rescue Operations Investigation Conrad Sangma PM Modi
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MACC: Senior army officer to be remanded until Feb 9 for alleged solicitation, briberyFor Chinese New Year 2026, hair trends lean into expressive individuality balanced with polish. Cuts are modern yet wearable, favouring movement, texture and shape over rigidity.
Read more »
Convicted litterbugs to clean drains and toilets together on Feb 13, says Nga Kor MingKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — All offenders convicted by the courts for littering offences will carry out Community Service Orders simultaneously on Feb 13, said Minister of Housing and...
Read more »
RM100 SARA aid for all adult Malaysians begins Feb 9, says finance minister IIKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 — The SARA For All programme, which provides a one-off RM100 aid credited through MyKad to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, will be disbursed starting Monday...
Read more »
Isa Samad corruption trial: Federal Court sets Feb 10 for decision on bid to overturn acquittalPUTRAJAYA, Feb 5 — The Federal Court has set February 10 to deliver its verdict on the prosecution’s appeal against the acquittal of former Felda chairman Mohd Isa Samad on...
Read more »
Heavy vehicles prohibited on Malaysian roads Feb 14-15 and Feb 21-22, says JPJPUTRAJAYA, Feb 5 — Goods transport vehicles are prohibited from being on the roads for four days in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations, to ensure smoother traffic...
Read more »
Public invited to ‘Safe Internet’ forum at Titiwangsa park on Feb 8SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - SiTime's technology could eventually end up in billions of chips from Japan's Renesas, SiTime's chief executive said on Thursday.
Read more »