16 killed in explosion at illegal coal mine in Meghalaya, several feared trapped

Director General of Police I Nongrang said 16 bodies have been recovered so far, but the exact number of workers inside the mine at the time of the blast is still unknown.

“More people are feared trapped,” he said.

The explosion occurred in the Thangsku area during coal mining activities, which are believed to be illegal. Rescue teams are continuing search and recovery operations at the site.

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

Asked about the legality of the mining operation, Kumar said, “Yes, it seems like that.”

He added that the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined and a formal inquiry has been ordered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives, expressing grief over the tragedy.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also expressed condolences and said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. “Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action,” he said.

Rat-hole coal mining, a dangerous and unscientific method involving narrow tunnels just large enough for a person to crawl through, has been banned in Meghalaya since 2014 following a National Green Tribunal order citing environmental damage and safety risks.

The Supreme Court later upheld the ban, allowing mining only under regulated and scientific procedures.