Three Nepali Youths Killed in Coal Mine Explosion in Meghalaya, India

Khotang. Three youths from Khotang have died in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya, India. One person is still missing and three others were seriously injured in the accident that occurred on Magh 22 in the mine located in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.

The deceased have been identified as 27-year-old Purniram Khapangi Magar, 24-year-old Surendra Khapangi Magar, and 35-year-old Narbahadur Khapangi Magar, all from Barapokhari Rural Municipality-1. Purniram and Surendra are brothers from the same household. Ratna Rai, 50, from Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-5, is missing following the explosion.

It is suspected that the missing Rai may have died by burning as the explosion occurred inside the mine. His citizenship certificate and mobile phone were found in the room.

Karnabahadur Khapangi Magar and Bambaahadur Khapangi Magar from Barapokhari, and Lalit Lungeli Magar from Udayapur were seriously injured in the explosion. They are undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Colleagues who worked with them reported that the bodies recovered after the explosion were burned beyond recognition.

The entire village is in mourning following the untimely deaths of the youths who had gone to India for employment. Although relatives of the deceased have reached Meghalaya to claim the bodies, bringing them back to Nepal is proving difficult due to legal procedures and lack of funds. A local fundraising campaign has also been initiated to cover the treatment costs for the injured and to repatriate the bodies.