On the night of February 5, at least 18 people were killed and eight more were injured as a result of an explosion in an illegal coal mine in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya.
According to police information, the explosion was discovered during rescue operations, and the mine was one of the illegal mines officially banned since 2014, known as a "rat-hole" mine.
It was reported that toxic gas accumulated in the mine area after it caught fire following the explosion.
Currently, a forensic investigation and a comprehensive inquiry are being conducted.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya state, Conrad Kongal Sangma, announced an investigation into the incident.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.






