Coal Mine Explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills Kills 27, Rescue Efforts Underway

EAST JAINTIA HILLS, Meghalaya, Feb. 5: At least 27 people have died following a deadly explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills District on Thursday. The blast occurred at a so-called “rat-hole” mine, a highly dangerous type of coal mining operation, officials said.

Rescue operations are ongoing, according to India’s national broadcaster All India Radio. The incident was widely reported by TRT World and other media outlets.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed that the explosion took place at an illegal mining site and has ordered a full investigation. Police have registered a case and arrested two individuals suspected of involvement.

District police chief Vikash Kumar said preliminary investigations suggest that the blast was caused by dynamite. Several miners were reportedly working inside the mine when the explosion occurred.

“Rat-hole” mines involve digging deep vertical shafts into hills or elevated terrain, with narrow horizontal tunnels spreading out from the shafts. Miners work under extremely hazardous conditions, often without safety measures.

India’s National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014 due to environmental concerns and the high risk to workers’ lives. Despite the ban, illegal rat-hole mining continues in East Jaintia Hills and other areas of the state.

This latest tragedy has once again raised serious questions about illegal coal mining practices and worker safety in Meghalaya.