Two brothers from Khotang die in coal mine explosion in India, family devastated

By Raj Kumar Bhattarai, Khotang, Feb 6: A family in Khotang district has been left devastated after two brothers from the same household died in a coal mine explosion in India. The incident occurred on Thursday at a coal mine operating in Meghalaya.

The deceased have been identified as 27-year-old Purna Bahadur Khapangi Magar (eldest son) and his 24-year-old brother Surendra Khapangi Magar (middle son), sons of Khadga Bahadur Khapangi Magar of Salghari Bhanjyang, Barahapokhari, Barahapokhari Rural Municipality–1. The two were among three brothers in the family.

According to the ward chair of  Dhak Bahadur Karki, the brothers had traveled to India on January 17 to seek employment due to their family’s poor economic condition. They were working in the coal mine when an explosion occurred, killing them on the spot.

The family includes their elderly parents, the youngest son, and the wife and one child of the eldest brother. The deaths of both the eldest and middle sons have dealt a severe blow to the household, Karki said. 

Relatives left for India on Friday after being informed of the incident. 

Several others from the same area were injured in the explosion, including Bam Bahadur Khapangi Magar, Karna Bahadur Khapangi Magar, Nar Bahadur Khapangi Magar, all from Bhanjyang in Barahapokhari, and Lalit Bahadur Magar from Saune, Udayapur.

Out of a seven-member group working at the mine, only Tarabal Magar of Walampa, Barahapokhari, escaped unharmed. He informed the families about the incident by phone after the explosion.

Every winter, many young men from various parts of Khotang travel to Meghalaya in search of work. According to Indian media reports, the death toll from the explosion has reached 18.

 Detailed information about the incident is yet to be ascertained.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences over the incident and announced compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees for the families of the deceased. An additional 50,000 Indian rupees will be provided to those injured to cover medical expenses.