At least 16 labourers were killed and several others are feared trapped after a powerful blast rocked an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday. Rescue operations are underway as emergency teams continue searching the hazardous underground site in the Thangsku area, where the explosion occurred during coal extraction activities.
Meghalaya Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed that 16 bodies have been recovered so far, while the exact number of workers inside the mine at the time of the explosion remains unknown. Authorities believe more labourers may still be trapped beneath the debris. Search and rescue teams have been deployed despite the difficult terrain and unsafe conditions inside the mine.
One injured worker was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being shifted to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment, according to East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar. Medical teams remain on standby as rescue operations continue.
Preliminary findings suggest that the coal mine was operating illegally. When asked about the legality of the site, SP Vikash Kumar said it appeared to be an unlawful operation. Officials added that the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been established and a detailed investigation will be launched once rescue efforts are completed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased labourer, while the injured will receive ₹50,000. The Prime Minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the recurring dangers of illegal coal mining in the region. In December last year, a blast at an illegal coal mine in the same district claimed the lives of two workers, prompting intervention by the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission. Earlier this year, another labourer died after falling into an illegal mine at Umthe village, following which police sealed the site and initiated an inquiry.
In 2014, the National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya, citing serious environmental damage and grave risks to human life. Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels just large enough for a single person to crawl through, often without ventilation or safety equipment. Despite the ban, such unscientific and dangerous mining practices continue in remote areas, frequently leading to fatal accidents.
As rescue operations continue in East Jaintia Hills, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement, accountability, and safer livelihood alternatives to prevent further loss of life in illegal mining operations.