Shillong, February 9 The death toll from the illegal coal mine blast in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya has risen to 28, with one more person succumbing to injuries at a hospital here, according to SP Vikash Kumar on Monday.
"One injured person, who was being treated at NEIGRIMS here, died today," the SP said, adding that the deceased has been identified as Raju Tamang.
The blast had occurred last week at an illegally operated coal mine in the remote Thangsku area of the Mynsngat village.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that the state government would order a judicial inquiry into the incident to determine the circumstances leading to the blast and assign responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills district appeared before the Meghalaya High Court in connection with the incident.
The High Court expressed concern over the occurrence of the blast and the continuing instances of illegal coal mining in the state, and sought details on the steps taken by the authorities to prevent such activities.
Eight other people who were injured in the blast are still being treated at various hospitals, officials said.