Coal Mine Explosion in Meghalaya Kills Sixteen, Rescue Underway
At least sixteen workers were killed in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya East Jaintia Hills as rescue teams continue operations amid fears more labourers remain trapped inside the illegal mining site
- Meghalaya coal mine explosion claims lives.
- East Jaintia Hills blast triggers rescue operation.
- Illegal coal mine under investigation in Meghalaya.
A devastating explosion at a coal mine in Meghalaya has left at least sixteen workers dead, triggering large scale rescue operations amid fears that more people may still be trapped underground.
The blast occurred early Thursday morning at an illegal coal mining site in the Thangsku area of East Jaintia Hills district. Officials said the explosion took place while coal extraction was underway, causing panic and chaos at the site.
Confirming the deaths, Director General of Police I Nongrang said rescue teams were deployed immediately after the incident. She added that the exact number of workers inside the mine at the time of the explosion remains unclear, raising concerns that the toll could rise.
So far, sixteen bodies have been recovered from the mine. Search and rescue teams are continuing operations in difficult conditions, carefully clearing debris and navigating narrow mine passages in an effort to locate any survivors.
Police officials said one injured worker was initially shifted to a nearby primary health centre and later referred to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment. His condition is being closely monitored.
Authorities have identified the site as an illegal coal mine, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion and fix responsibility. The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of unlawful mining practices in the region as families wait anxiously for updates from the rescue teams.
