A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team on Friday arrived at the blast site in Thangskai area of Meghalaya`s East Jaintia Hills to carry out rescue and recovery operations after an explosion in an illegal rat-hole coal mine that claimed eighteen lives 

Family members of victims mourn amid a search and rescue operation after an explosion occured in an illegal coal mining site at Thangsku area 

Individuals who are involved in any illegal activities, action will be taken. Whoever is responsible for this incident will face very strict action. We will not let go of anybody who is involved in this," Sangma said while addressing a press conference 

A victim`s family member being consoled amid a search and rescue operation after an explosion occured in an illegal coal mining site

Those involved in any mining activities should not engage in illegal activities that can endanger lives. We are waiting for further report that comes in. Based on that, I will be in regular touch with the press, Sangma added

At least 18 miners were killed and several others were feared trapped following the incident, according to officials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 18 victims who lost their lives in the tragic incident

Those who have been injured in the incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each. The incident has left one person with burn injuries 

"Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO posted on X.