18 Killed in Illegal Coal Mine Blast in Meghalaya
Rescue operations on as more workers feared trapped; probe ordered into East Jaintia Hills tragedy
- At least 18 labourers killed in explosion at illegal coal mine
- Several workers feared trapped; search and rescue underway
- PM announces compensation from National Relief Fund
- Meghalaya government orders inquiry into incident
GG News Bureau
Jaintia Hills, 5th Feb: At least 18 labourers were killed and several others are feared trapped after an explosion at an allegedly illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, police said.
Director General of Police I Nongrang said that 16 bodies were initially recovered from the site in the Thangsku area, with two more deaths later confirmed, taking the toll to 18. Authorities said the exact number of workers inside the mine at the time of the blast is still being verified.
Rescue teams have been deployed and search operations are ongoing to locate those feared trapped under the debris.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said one injured labourer was first taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment.
When asked about the legality of the mining operation, the SP said it appeared to be illegal. He added that the cause of the explosion was yet to be determined and a formal inquiry would be conducted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, ₹2 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured that those responsible would face strict legal action, stating that there would be no compromise on the safety of lives.
The incident has once again brought attention to illegal mining practices in the state. The National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole mining and other unscientific coal extraction methods in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental and safety concerns.
Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow horizontal tunnels, typically three to four feet high, in which workers crawl inside to extract coal. The Supreme Court later upheld the ban, allowing mining only under regulated, scientific procedures with environmental safeguards.
Authorities said the cause of the explosion and the circumstances under which the mine was operating will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
