Earlier in the day, the blast occurred at an “illegal” coal mine in Thangsku area of the district. Several other workers are feared to be trapped, officials said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to review the situation following an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hill district, which killed at least 18 workers.
East Jaintia Hills: Smoke billows after an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. At least 16 workers are feared dead and several more trapped. (Representative Imgai/ANI)Shah assured the chief minister of all possible central support for rescue and relief operations, ANI reported.
Earlier in the day, the blast occurred at an “illegal” coal mine in Thangsku area of the district. Several other workers are feared to be trapped, officials said. HT had earlier reported.
Rescue teams have been pressed into search operations, Director General of Police Ai Nongrang said, adding that efforts to find survivors and rescue those trapped are continuing.
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Also Read | 10 workers killed in explosion at ‘illegal’ coal mine in MeghalayaHere are the top points:During the rescue operation, 18 bodies were recovered from the spot, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said, as reported by PTI.An injured person was first taken to Sutanga Primary Health Center and later referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment.It is yet to be ascertained exactly how many workers were present in the mine at the time of the blast, police said. Officials suspect that the blast occurred during illegal coal mining operations at the site.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia ₹2 lakhs to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The Prime Minister’s Office (Prime Minister’s Office) shared on X, “Saddened by the accident in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover quickly. Ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given.”Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday to review the situation. Shah assured the chief minister of all possible central support for rescue and relief operations, ANI reported.Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed deep grief over the incident and announced an inquiry into the blast. Sangma said a comprehensive inquiry has been ordered, accountability will be fixed and strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.The state government reiterated that there would be no compromise on security and expressed its solidarity with the affected families.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had in 2014 banned rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya due to environmental damage and safety risks, and restricted illegal coal transportation.Rat-hole mining involves narrow tunnels, usually three to four feet high, through which a single worker can extract coal through a horizontal passage.The Supreme Court of India upheld the ban and allowed mining only under scientific, controlled methods with environmental protection.Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times newsdesk From politics and policy to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global issues, we’ve got you covered.Read more
