At least 16 labourers died after a powerful blast struck an “illegal” coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, Director General of Police I Nongrang said. The explosion took place in the Thangsku area in the morning, triggering panic and a large rescue response.

Authorities immediately sent rescue teams to the site. They began search operations as several workers were feared trapped inside the mine.

“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,” Nongrang said.

Injured worker shifted for treatment

One worker suffered injuries in the blast. Officials first took him to Sutnga Primary Health Centre. Doctors later referred him to a hospital in Shillong for better medical care, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said.

Mine suspected to be running illegally

Police believe the explosion happened during coal mining activity at the site. Officials suspect that the mine was operating illegally.

When asked about the legality of the operation, Kumar said, “Yes, it seems like that.” He added that the exact cause of the explosion is still unknown. Authorities will conduct a detailed inquiry to find out what triggered the blast.

Ban on rat-hole mining

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole coal mining and other unsafe mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014. The tribunal cited serious environmental damage and risks to workers’ safety. It also restricted the illegal transport of coal extracted through such methods.

Rat-hole mining involves digging very narrow tunnels, usually about three to four feet high. Workers enter these tight passages to extract coal. These tunnels are called “rat-holes” because they are just wide enough for one person.

Later, the Supreme Court upheld the ban. It allowed coal mining only through scientific and regulated methods with proper environmental safeguards.

PM expresses grief, announces compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the incident and announced financial help for the victims’ families.

“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 quoted PM Modi as saying in a post on X.

He also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the family of each deceased worker. The injured will receive Rs 50,000 as assistance.