Daijiworld Media Network - Shillong

Shillong, Feb 5: A devastating explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has claimed the lives of at least 16 labourers, marking one of the most severe mining tragedies in the region in recent years, police confirmed on Thursday.

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said rescue teams have so far recovered 16 bodies from the mine located in the Thangsku area. “Sixteen bodies have been recovered till now,” he told reporters, adding that search and recovery operations are still ongoing.

Preliminary information suggests the blast occurred during active coal extraction inside the mine, leading to a sudden collapse that trapped several workers underground. While the precise cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, officials believe it took place amid routine mining activity.

One worker survived the incident but sustained injuries. He was first taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later shifted to Shillong for specialised treatment. Police said his condition is under close medical observation.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to assist local authorities in the difficult rescue effort, which is being conducted under hazardous conditions due to unstable terrain and the threat of further cave-ins.

Responding to questions about the legality of the mine, SP Kumar said early indications suggest it was operating unlawfully. “Yes, it appears so,” he noted, stressing that a thorough investigation would be carried out to establish the facts and fix responsibility.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the continuing problem of illegal and unsafe coal mining in East Jaintia Hills, where prohibited practices have persisted despite court directives and repeated enforcement actions.

Officials said more information would be shared as rescue operations conclude and the investigation moves forward.