- The workers were trapped after an explosion in a suspected illegal coal mine in Jaintia East Jaintia Hills
- The incident was reported from Thangsku area, police said
- The police have sought assistance from the State Disaster Response Force
At least 18 labourers were killed, and several others feared trapped following an explosion at an "illegal" coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, police said.
"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," Director General of Police I Nongrang said. Since then, two more deaths have been confirmed, taking the death count to 18.
Rescue teams have been engaged in search operations, the officer said, adding that the incident occurred in the Thangsku area in the morning during coal mining activities at the site, which are believed to be illegal.
One person who sustained injuries in the blast was initially taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being referred to a Shillong hospital for better treatment, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said.
Asked whether the mine was operating illegally, Kumar said, "Yes, it seems like that." He said the cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained, and an inquiry will be conducted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives.
"Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister's Office posted on X.
Rs 2 lakh compensation will be given to the victims' families, while those injured will be given Rs 50,000 from the PM National Relief Fund, the PM's office said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said he has ordered an inquiry into the accident.
"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," Sangma posted on X.
"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. In this moment of sorrow, the State stands in solidarity with all those affected," the Chief Minister added.
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.
The Supreme Court later upheld the ban and allowed mining only under scientific and regulated procedures with environmental safeguards.
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