18 Killed, Several Feared Trapped As Powerful Explosion Rips Through Rat-Hole Coal Mine In Meghalaya

Thangsku: At least 18 people are feared to have been killed after an explosion trapped them deep inside a suspected illegal coal mine at a village in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday. The blast took place in the Thangsku area. 

Several labourers have died, and more are feared to be still trapped inside the mine, sources said. The explosion is suspected to have occurred during illegal coal mining activities at the site, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and leading to the casualties. At least one person was found injured following the explosion. 

According to reports, local residents rushed to the spot after the blast. Meghalaya police reached the spot promptly. A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been called to the spot, police said. The exact sequence of events leading to the explosion has not been ascertained yet, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion. 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a statutory body that handles environmental disputes, had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks. It had also restricted the illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods. At least three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been sent to the spot to carry out rescue operations, authorities said. 

Ex gratia announced

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said that the state government has ordered an inquiry into the coal mine incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district that claimed 18 lives.
He said that accountability will be fixed for the incident at a suspected illegal coal mine, and those responsible will face strict legal action.

"Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives," Sangma said in a statement on X.

The office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a statement on X, where it announced that an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the kin of each deceased. The injured would also be given an amount of Rs 50000, the post. 

Further details are awaited as a rescue operation is underway.