Shillong, Feb 6 (NationPress) At least eight individuals have been hospitalized in Shillong after suffering burn injuries from a dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, officials reported on Friday.

Health officials stated that seven of the injured are receiving treatment at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), while another patient is admitted to Nazareth Hospital in the city.

The injured have been identified as Shanki Shylla, Deb Malakar, Korna, Bom Magar, Lalit Magar, Jamil Ahmed, and Nor Bahadur.

Medical professionals attending to these victims indicated that all have sustained second-degree burns and are currently under observation. Their condition is stable as they continue to receive specialized care.

Earlier on Friday, authorities arrested two individuals believed to be the owners of the illegal coal mine where a significant explosion resulted in at least 25 fatalities.

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were taken into custody in relation to the blast that transpired on Wednesday morning in the Thangsko area.

However, the police have withheld the identities of the arrested, citing that further details will be released after they appear in court.

This explosion has claimed the lives of at least 25 workers so far.

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing operation of banned rat-hole coal mining activities in the district, despite persistent warnings from the courts.

In response to the continual illegal mining activities, the High Court has mandated immediate arrests related to the deadly explosion at the suspected illegal mining site in East Jaintia Hills that resulted in 25 deaths.

A division bench consisting of Justice H.S. Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh took suo motu notice of media reports concerning the explosion that occurred in the Thangsku area.

The court expressed grave concern over the persistence of illegal coal mining operations in the district, despite a previous fatal incident reported on January 14 this year, indicating ongoing violations of mining bans and court directives.

The bench highlighted that repeated tragedies signify serious administrative failures, directing the district administration and police to act promptly.

The court instructed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest the mine owners, operators, and all individuals involved in the alleged illegal mining activities.

Authorities were also ordered to seize all equipment, documents, and other incriminating materials associated with the mining operations.

Additionally, the court requested explanations from officials on how such prohibited activities could continue despite prior incidents and existing legal restrictions.

It warned that stringent actions would follow if authorities failed to present definitive and effective measures.

In one of the most tragic mining accidents in recent times, the bodies of at least 25 laborers were recovered following a massive explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday.