New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced financial assistance for the families of those killed in the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, describing the incident as deeply distressing.

An ex-gratia amount of ₹2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each of the 16 victims who lost their lives in the tragedy, while those injured in the incident will receive ₹50,000 each. The relief will be disbursed from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Expressing his condolences, the Prime Minister said he was anguished by the loss of lives in the accident. In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the families of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000.”

Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident, which occurred at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Sangma said accountability would be fixed and strict legal action would be taken against those found responsible. “The government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of human lives,” he said in a message posted on X.

The Chief Minister also conveyed solidarity with the affected families during the difficult time, stating that the state stands firmly with all those impacted by the tragedy.

Rescue and recovery operations are currently underway, with three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed at the site, along with personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and the local administration.

Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar confirmed that 16 bodies have been recovered so far. “The explosion took place on Thursday in the Thangsku (Thangskai) area. Several labourers were trapped inside the coal mine. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. One person has sustained burn injuries,” he said.

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Officials said several people are still feared trapped inside the mine, and rescue efforts are continuing. Further details are awaited.