SHILLONG – A devastating explosion in a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has claimed at least 16 lives, marking one of the deadliest mining incidents in recent years. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies from the collapsed site in Thangskhu area, as authorities scramble to locate any remaining trapped workers.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar confirmed the grim toll on Thursday, stating that 16 bodies have been retrieved so far. ‘Search and rescue operations are ongoing,’ he told reporters, emphasizing the perilous conditions at the site.
The blast occurred during active coal extraction inside the mine, leading to a catastrophic collapse that buried several laborers underground. While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials suspect it stemmed from unsafe mining practices common in unregulated operations.
One worker miraculously survived with injuries and was first rushed to Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being airlifted to Shillong for advanced treatment. His condition is stable under close medical supervision.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have joined local police and district administration in the grueling rescue efforts. Unstable terrain and the risk of further landslides are complicating the operation, demanding utmost caution from the rescuers.
Preliminary indications point to the mine being illegally operated, flouting court orders and safety norms. SP Kumar noted that a thorough probe will determine accountability once the inquiry concludes.
This tragedy underscores the persistent dangers of illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills, where banned and hazardous practices continue despite repeated crackdowns. As rescue missions persist, more details are expected to emerge, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement and worker protections in Meghalaya’s volatile mining regions.