News of a tragic accident has emerged from Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. A massive explosion at an illegal coal mine in a remote area shook the area on Thursday. Ten workers have been confirmed dead so far, while several others are feared trapped.

How did the accident happen?

According to preliminary information, the accident was caused by a dynamite explosion during illegal mining. The explosion was so powerful that a portion of the hill collapsed, burying the workers working there under the debris. The administration fears that more people may be trapped inside.

Rescue Operation Underway, Agencies on the Spot

As soon as the incident was reported, teams from the bomb disposal squad, forensic team, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and fire department arrived at the scene. Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing to rescue those trapped under the debris as soon as possible.

Information So Far

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar stated that this is a case of a dynamite explosion. Four bodies have been recovered so far, while a severely burned worker has been referred to Shillong for better treatment. The possibility of the death toll rising is not ruled out.

Such accidents have occurred before

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the Thangsko area. An explosion occurred in the same area on December 23, 2025, killing two miners. The series of incidents has raised questions about the administration's monitoring system.

Rat-hole mining is already banned

It is noteworthy that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) completely banned dangerous and unscientific "rat-hole" coal mining in Meghalaya in April 2014. Despite this, illegal mining and coal transportation continues in many areas of the state.

Judicial Monitoring and Government Claims

Retired Justice Brojendra Prasad Katake, appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to monitor coal cases, has already warned that illegal mining has not stopped despite government assurances. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma claims that the district administration has taken action in more than 1,000 cases related to illegal mining.