Shillong, Feb. 5 -- At least 18 workers lost their lives and several others are feared trapped after a powerful explosion ripped through an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday morning, triggering an extensive rescue operation and prompting promises of compensation and a formal investigation.
The blast occurred in the Thangsku area, where search-and-rescue teams rushed in soon after the incident was reported. Director General of Police I Nongrang said rescue personnel have been working continuously at the site, though authorities are still uncertain about how many labourers were inside the mine when the explosion took place. "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," he said.
By evening, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed that 18 bodies had been recovered from the debris. One injured worker was first taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced medical care.
Officials suspect the blast took place during ongoing coal extraction activities at what appears to be an unauthorised mine. When asked directly about its legal status, Kumar said, "Yes, it seems like that," indicating that the operation was likely in violation of existing mining regulations.
The tragedy drew swift reactions from political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured would receive Rs 50,000. In a post shared by the Prime Minister's Office on X, Modi said, "Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest."
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also conveyed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged a thorough inquiry. In a statement, he said, "Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills.
My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy." Sangma added that the state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation, warning that "accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action," and stressing that there would be "no compromise" on safety.
The site of the blast highlights longstanding concerns over hazardous mining practices in the region. The National Green Tribunal had banned rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific methods in Meghalaya in 2014, citing severe environmental damage and safety risks, while also restricting illegal coal transport. Rat-hole mining typically involves digging narrow horizontal tunnels, often just three to four feet high, barely wide enough for a single worker to crawl through.
The Supreme Court later upheld the ban, allowing mining only under scientifically regulated procedures with environmental safeguards. Despite these rulings, illegal operations have continued in some pockets, raising fresh questions about enforcement and worker safety in the wake of Thursday's deadly explosion.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.