Meghalaya mine tragedy: 16 labourers killed in blast at illegal coal mine, many feared trapped

At least 16 labourers lost their lives in a tragic explosion at an alleged illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, triggering urgent rescue operations amid fears that more workers remain trapped underground. The incident occurred in the Thangsku area during the morning hours, according to state police officials.

Rescue Operations Underway

Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed that 16 bodies have been recovered so far. However, the exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is still unclear. “More people are feared trapped,” she said, adding that search and rescue teams have been deployed at the site and operations are ongoing.

Injured Worker Shifted to Shillong

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said that one injured labourer was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced medical treatment. Authorities are closely monitoring the condition of the injured worker.

Illegal Mining Suspected

Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion occurred during coal mining activities. When asked about the legality of the operation, SP Kumar stated, “Yes, it seems like that.” He added that the exact cause of the blast is yet to be determined, and a detailed inquiry will be conducted to establish the circumstances leading to the incident.

Ban on Rat-Hole Mining

The tragedy once again highlights the dangers of rat-hole mining, a practice banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 due to severe environmental damage and safety concerns. Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, often just 3–4 feet high, allowing only one worker to crawl inside to extract coal, making it extremely hazardous.

Despite the ban, such incidents underline the continued risks posed by illegal mining activities. As rescue efforts continue, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unsafe and unregulated mining practices.