Meghalaya mine blast: Assam announces ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for 3 victims' families

GUWAHATI: (Feb 6) The Assam government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of three labourers from the state who were among those killed in a coal mine blast in adjoining Meghalaya.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said he has also instructed a cabinet minister and the MLA of Katigorah assembly constituency, from where the victims hailed, to visit the bereaved families.

At least 18 labourers were killed, and several others were feared trapped following an explosion in an "illegal" coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday.