Shillong, Feb 7: Another two dead bodies were recovered today, taking the death toll from the illegal coal mine explosion at Thangsko in East Jaiñtia Hills district, to 27.
Nine others have sustained injuries, according to the State Disaster Management Authority.
The blast occurred on February 5 at around 7 am, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation. Eighteen bodies were recovered the same day, four more yesterday and three succumbed to injuries.
Several people are still missing, as teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Special Rescue Team (SRT), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continue with the search operation.
So far, two accused – Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung village and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong village, have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.
A suo motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Explosive Substances Act, police said.
