Tragic coal mine explosion in Meghalaya kills dozens; the state, known as "the abode of clouds," was formed in 1972 from Assam districts.
Recent mining accidents in Colombia and India have resulted in dozens of deaths. In Colombia, a methane explosion at an illegal coal mine in Guacheta killed at least four, with authorities investigating the cause. In India, illegal rat-hole mines in Meghalaya caused a blast, killing 18 and injuring others, prompting a government inquiry.