Khotang: Three youths from Khotang district have died in a massive explosion at an illegally operated coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India. The incident occurred on Magh 22, claiming the lives of Purniram Khapangi Magar, 27, Surendra Khapangi Magar, 24, and Nar Bahadur Khapangi Magar, 35, all from Salghari, Barapokhari Rural Municipality–1, Khotang.

Among the deceased, Purniram and Surendra were brothers from the same family. Nar Bahadur, who was critically injured in the explosion, died during treatment on Magh 23.

Another Nepali worker, Ratna Rai, 50, of Durchhim, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality–5, is still missing. It is suspected that he was inside the mine at the time of the explosion and that his body may have been badly charred. Rai had gone to India for employment only last Asoj, and his citizenship card, diary, and mobile phone were later found in his room.

Three others—Karna Bahadur Khapangi Magar and Bam Bahadur Khapangi Magar of Khotang, and Lalit Lungeli Magar of Udayapur—were seriously injured and are currently undergoing treatment at a local health facility in Meghalaya.

Families of the victims are facing severe financial and legal challenges in bringing the bodies back to Nepal. A local fundraising campaign has been launched to support repatriation and medical treatment. Locals have raised concerns over repeated fatal accidents in illegally operated mines and the lack of safety standards, which continue to put Nepali workers’ lives at risk.