The death toll in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district of the Indian state of Meghalaya has risen to 25. The death toll rose after seven more bodies were found on Friday.

The bodies of 18 people have already been recovered during the search and rescue operation that began after the explosion on Thursday. The State Disaster Management Team, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local security personnel have been deployed at the site. According to officials, the search is ongoing as more people may be missing.

According to the police, the explosion took place in an illegal 'rat-hole' coal mine, where safety standards were being seriously violated. Some people, including the mine operator, have been arrested after the incident and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed grief over the incident and said that strict action will be taken against the culprits. Meghalaya has also witnessed repeated deaths due to illegal coal mining, which has raised serious questions about mine safety and government oversight in the state of Meghalaya.