Illegal Coal Mine Blast in Meghalaya Kills 16, Several Workers Feared Trapped; Rescue Operation Underway

New Delhi | 

At least 16 workers were killed after a powerful explosion occurred inside an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday. The incident took place in the Thangsksu area, and several more labourers are feared to be trapped inside the mine, according to state authorities.

Meghalaya Director General of Police I. Nongrang confirmed that rescue and search operations are currently underway. “So far, 16 bodies have been recovered. It is not yet clear how many workers were inside the mine at the time of the blast. There is a strong possibility that more people are trapped,” the DGP said.

The explosion occurred during coal mining activity in the morning hours. The exact cause of the blast is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation has been initiated by the police.

Rescue and Medical Response

Rescue teams, including police and emergency services, were rushed to the site immediately after the incident. Due to the narrow tunnels typical of such mines, rescue operations are proving to be challenging.

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said that one injured worker was first taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment.

Illegal Mining and Rat-Hole Method

Police officials confirmed that the mine was being operated illegally and that coal extraction was being carried out using the rat-hole mining method. This method involves digging extremely narrow tunnels, usually 3–4 feet high, through which workers crawl to extract coal. The tunnels are so confined that only one person can pass through at a time, making them highly dangerous.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya in 2014, citing severe environmental damage and serious risks to workers’ safety. The ban also included restrictions on the illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods. The Supreme Court later upheld the NGT ban, allowing mining only under scientific, regulated, and environmentally safe conditions.

Compensation Announced

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. It announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 each for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue efforts remain ongoing amid fears of additional casualties.

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