At least 18 miners were killed and several others feared trapped following an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday morning.
The blast occurred in the Thangsku area around 11 am during coal mining activities at what officials confirmed was an illegal operation, located approximately 25 kilometres from the district headquarters.
Director General of Police I Nongrang said rescue teams were conducting search operations at the site. “We have recovered 16 bodies so far. The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped,” she said. The death toll later rose to 18 as two more bodies were recovered.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed the mine appeared to be operating illegally and said the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. One person who sustained injuries in the blast was initially taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment.
The National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, police personnel, and mining department officials are engaged in rescue and recovery operations. An FIR has been filed at Khliehriat police station under multiple sections, including those pertaining to illegal mining and explosives. Police have offered a reward for information about additional individuals involved.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy. “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said in a message posted on social media platform X.
The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured would receive Rs 50,000. The Meghalaya government announced an additional ex gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased.
President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of those injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, took stock of the situation, and assured the state government of all possible central support.
Chief Minister Sangma expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry. “Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives,” he said, adding that the administration would ensure all necessary legal and administrative steps are taken based on the inquiry findings.
The Chief Minister stressed that with the start of scientific mining, all miners are expected to apply for proper authorisation. “These are things that cannot be tolerated anymore. Those involved in any mining activities should not engage in illegal activities that can endanger lives,” he said at a press conference.
The government has deployed two cabinet ministers to oversee ground operations and coordinate necessary measures at the site.
The National Green Tribunal had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks. Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The Supreme Court later upheld the ban and allowed mining only under scientific and regulated procedures with environmental safeguards.
Officials said the ex gratia relief would be extended as part of the Centre’s immediate support to the victims, even as rescue and investigation efforts continue at the accident site.
