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The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation.
Search and rescue operations underway at the coal mine where five miners were trapped after a dynamite blast flooded the pit, in East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. (PTI)
At least 18 miners were killed, and several others are feared trapped after an explosion at an “illegal” coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, Director General of Police I Nongrang said.
She said rescue teams are conducting search operations and added that the incident took place in the Thangsku area in the morning.
“We have recovered 16 bodies so far. The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped,” she said.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said that one person injured in the blast was first taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to a Shillong hospital for advanced treatment.
The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation.
When asked if the mine was operating illegally, the police officer said it appeared so, adding that the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined and an inquiry will be conducted.
CM Sangma Reacts
Meghalaya Chief Minister CM Conrad K Sangma expressed deep sorrow over the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the disaster.
He said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and assured that accountability will be ensured, with those responsible facing strict legal action. CM Sagma emphasised that there will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives.
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…
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 5, 2026
He added that the state stands in solidarity with all those affected by the tragedy, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring justice for the victims.
PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured in the incident would receive Rs 50,000.
Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 5, 2026
Amit Shah Took Stock Of Situation
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and took stock of the situation of incident in which 18 people lost their lives after an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in a village in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district. He also assured him all possible Central support.
President Murmu Expresses Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives in an accident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. In a post on X, she conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the incident.
It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured.— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 5, 2026
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks, while also restricting illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods.
Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed “rat-holes”, as each just about fits one person.
(With inputs from agencies)
Meghalaya, India, India
February 05, 2026, 16:39 IST
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