A devastating explosion tore through an unauthorized coal mining operation in India’s northeastern Meghalaya state on Thursday, resulting in 18 confirmed fatalities and 8 injuries. The tragedy occurred in the East Jaintia Hills district, where rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover victims from the rubble before suspending operations at nightfall.
Local authorities identified the site as an illegal ‘rat-hole’ mine, a dangerous mining method involving deep vertical shafts with narrow horizontal tunnels. Despite a 2014 federal environmental court ban on this practice due to safety concerns and environmental damage, these operations continue widespread throughout the region.
District official Manish Kumar confirmed the mine’s illegal status and indicated that rescue efforts would resume Friday morning with support from state and federal disaster management personnel. District Police Chief Vikash Kumar suggested the explosion likely resulted from a dynamite blast, though forensic investigation continues. The blast triggered subsequent fires and created dangerous accumulations of toxic gases within the mine shafts.
The tragedy prompted immediate responses from top government officials. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, vowing accountability for those responsible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the mishap, offering condolences to bereaved families and wishing swift recovery to the injured. The government announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,216) for each deceased victim’s family.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal mining operations in India’s resource-rich regions, where safety regulations are routinely flouted despite judicial interventions and environmental concerns.