18 Labourers Killed In Illegal Coal Mine Explosion In Meghalaya, Rescue Operations Underway

At least 18 labourers from Assam lost their lives after a powerful explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday.

Several others were injured and a few are still feared to be trapped inside the mine, according to police officials.

The incident took place in the Thangsku area and has once again raised serious concerns about illegal coal mining practices and worker safety in the region.

Explosion at Illegal Coal Mine in Meghalaya

Police confirmed that the explosion occurred during coal mining activities in the village. East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said that 16 bodies have been recovered from the site so far. Many workers also suffered injuries in the blast.

The injured labourers were first taken to a nearby primary health centre for immediate treatment. Some of them were later referred to hospitals in Shillong for advanced medical care due to the severity of their injuries.

Officials believe that more workers may still be trapped inside the mine. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to search the site.

Rescue Operations Underway in East Jaintia Hills

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been called in to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Police teams and emergency personnel are working together to locate any remaining workers and ensure the safety of those involved in the operation.

Rescue work in such mines is often difficult because of narrow tunnels, unstable structures and poor ventilation. Authorities are also trying to confirm the total number of labourers who were present inside the mine when the explosion occurred.

Local administration officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating medical support for the injured.

Mine Suspected to Be Operating Illegally

Police have said that the coal mine where the explosion took place appears to have been operating illegally. When asked about the legality of the mine, the Superintendent of Police said it seemed to be an illegal operation.

The exact cause of the explosion is not yet known. Authorities have announced that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to determine what led to the blast and whether safety rules were ignored. Action is likely to be taken against those responsible if violations are confirmed.

Ban on Rat-Hole Mining and Safety Concerns

Coal mining through rat-hole methods has been banned in Meghalaya for several years due to safety and environmental risks. In 2014, the National Green Tribunal imposed a ban on rat-hole mining and other unscientific mining practices. The tribunal also restricted the transport of coal extracted through illegal methods.

Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually only 3 to 4 feet high, where workers crawl inside to extract coal. These tunnels are extremely dangerous and often lack proper safety measures, making accidents more likely.

The Supreme Court later upheld the ban and allowed coal mining only through scientific and regulated methods that follow environmental and safety standards. Despite these restrictions, illegal mining activities continue to be reported in some parts of the state.

Rising Concerns Over Worker Safety

The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the risks faced by labourers working in illegal and unsafe mining conditions.

Many of the workers involved in such operations come from neighbouring states like Assam and depend on mining for their livelihood.

Authorities are expected to intensify checks on illegal mining activities following the incident. Meanwhile, rescue operations continue at the site as families wait for information about their loved ones.