At least 18 people were killed and several others injured after an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, authorities said on Thursday. The blast occurred at a remote site known for hazardous and unregulated mining activity.
Police confirmed that 18 bodies have been recovered so far from the mine, described as an illegal “rat-hole” operation — a practice involving narrow vertical shafts where workers extract coal under extremely dangerous conditions. Eight others were injured, while officials fear more workers may still be trapped underground.
## Rescue operations underway, cause under probe
Local officials said rescue efforts were halted at nightfall on Thursday due to safety concerns and were scheduled to resume on Friday with assistance from state and central agencies.
District police chief Vikash Kumar said preliminary investigations indicate that dynamite may have triggered the explosion, though the exact cause is still being examined. “The deaths may have occurred due to burn injuries or suffocation from toxic fumes released after the blast,” he said, adding that the number of workers present at the site remains unclear.
## Leaders announce compensation, promise action
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said strict action would be taken against those responsible and reiterated the state’s stand against illegal mining practices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for each bereaved family. “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
## Long-standing dangers of rat-hole mining
Rat-hole mining has been officially banned in Meghalaya since 2014 due to severe environmental and safety concerns, including water pollution and frequent fatal accidents. Despite the ban, illegal mining continues in parts of the northeast, driven by poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods.
Workers in such mines reportedly earn modest daily wages while facing life-threatening risks.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement, safer livelihood options, and accountability to prevent loss of life in unregulated mining operations.