🚨 A devastating coal mine explosion in India's northeastern state of Meghalaya has claimed 27 lives, with rescue teams racing against time to locate potential survivors. The blast occurred on Thursday in an illegally operated mine using dangerous 'rat-hole' mining techniques, sparking outrage over safety violations.
Local authorities confirmed the death toll rose after two more bodies were recovered Saturday. At least nine injured miners are hospitalized, while National Disaster Response Force official HPS Kandarian warned: "There might be some other people trapped down there."
💡 Why it matters: The incident highlights risks in India's mining sector, particularly the persistent use of outlawed 'rat-hole' mining—a method where narrow pits are dug vertically, often by child laborers. Meghalaya's government has launched a full investigation amid calls for stricter enforcement of mining regulations.
🌍 Global Context: While this tragedy unfolds, it reignites conversations about industrial safety standards worldwide. For young professionals and students tracking economic development issues, this underscores the human cost behind energy resource extraction.
