Meghalaya Mine Blast: Death toll rises to 18; two arrested

Meghalaya Mine Blast: Death toll rises to 18; two arrested. Meghalaya Police has arrested two people linked to a blast in an unauthorised coal mine in the remote Thangsku area of East Jaintia Hills district that claimed 18 lives. Chief minister Conrad Sangma assured that his government would take strict action against those responsible for the incident. Sangma posted on X: 'The government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives.' The CM has directed two Cabinet ministers to visit the area, meet officials and take stock of the rescue and relief situation. Two teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), one Special Rescue Team (SRT) and three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed. Additional medical teams from Jowai and Shillong have been mobilised, with seven ambulances dispatched from Jowai. BSF has also deployed one deputy commandant, 15 personnel, two ambulances with nursing staffers and two doctors to assist in the operation.