In Meghalaya, 18 people have been killed in a coal mine blast in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district this morning. Several others are still trapped inside the mine. Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar, said that police and disaster management teams were immediately rushed to the site. Preliminary reports indicate that the blast was caused by a high-intensity dynamite explosion used for mining activities. The explosion triggered the collapse of adjoining mine shafts, trapping workers deep underground. According to local sources, the impact was so severe that nearby quarry structures crumbled instantly, significantly hampering rescue operations. One survivor, who sustained critical injuries, was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. His condition remains critical.
Initial investigations suggest that the mine was operating illegally, in violation of safety regulations and existing government bans on rat-hole mining in the region. Rescue and search operations are ongoing, and authorities are working to assess the full extent of the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a blast incident. In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi said that this incident is extremely saddening. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister has announced that an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Fifty thousand rupees will be given to the injured. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, in a tweet, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and ordered an inquiry into the mine blast. Further details are awaited.
