Meghalaya Coal Mine Explosion Death Toll Rises to 30 After Three More Workers Die
The tragic aftermath of the devastating coal mine explosion in Meghalaya on February 5 has deepened, with the official death toll now climbing to 30. Three more workers, who were critically injured in the blast, have succumbed to their severe burn injuries while undergoing treatment at medical facilities in Assam and Meghalaya.
Latest Fatalities Confirmed in Silchar and Shillong
Hospital authorities have confirmed that two of the deceased workers passed away at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam's Barak Valley. They have been identified as Niman Uddin, a resident of Sarishakuri village in Katigorah, and Ramcharan Baisnab of Katigorah. Niman Uddin died early Monday morning, while Ramcharan Baisnab passed away late Sunday night.
Separately, a third worker, identified as Raju Tamang, was declared dead at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGHRIMS) in Shillong, Meghalaya. All three victims were part of a group of five workers admitted in critical condition last Thursday following the explosion.
Critical Condition of Remaining Survivors
Of the five critically injured workers referred to SMCH for advanced treatment, three are currently recuperating in the hospital's specialized burn ward. The two workers who were being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have now tragically succumbed to their injuries.
Medical officials stated that all victims suffered extensive and severe burn injuries from the powerful blast. The explosion occurred during what authorities have described as illegal rat-hole mining operations, prompting a formal investigation into the incident.
Previous Victims of the February 5 Tragedy
The February 5 explosion had already claimed numerous lives before these latest fatalities. Among the earlier victims were:
- Anwar Uddin and Dilwar Uddin, brothers from Sarishakuri village
- Faruk Uddin from a neighboring village
- Puranjay Baisnab and Nikunj Baisnab, brothers from Rajpur village in Gumrah
- Mohitosh Baisnab from Khelma village in West Katigorah
The incident has highlighted the dangerous conditions of illegal mining operations in the region and raised serious questions about safety regulations and enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation into the Explosion
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the coal mine explosion. The focus includes determining the exact cause of the blast, identifying those responsible for the illegal mining operations, and examining potential safety violations that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The rising death toll underscores the devastating human cost of unregulated mining activities and has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of mining safety protocols across the region.
