Meghalaya rat-hole mine blast kills at least 18.

An explosion at an illegal rat‑hole coal mine in Meghalaya has left 18 people dead and one seriously injured, and rescue operations are ongoing.

An explosion at an illegally operated coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills has killed at least 18 people and seriously injured one, police say. The blast occurred around 11:00 local time and rescue operations are ongoing, with some people still feared trapped. Authorities say the site used rat‑hole mining, a method that has been banned in the state. Officials have registered a case and described an investigation under way. Key facts: - The explosion happened inside an illegally operated rat‑hole coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, at about 11:00 local time. - Police report 18 bodies recovered so far and one person with severe burns admitted to a hospital in Shillong; some workers are still feared trapped. - Authorities say the blast was suspected to involve dynamite; a case has been registered against unidentified people and investigations are ongoing. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and for the injured, and the state chief minister said those responsible will face legal action. Summary: The incident is among the deadliest recent mining accidents in Meghalaya, and officials say the identities of victims and the mine operators have not yet been confirmed. Authorities have registered a case and said they will investigate and hold those responsible to account, while rescue teams continue work at the site.