SHILLONG : A tragic explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has claimed the lives of 18 people. The incident took place on Thursday (February 5) at Mynsyngat, Thangsko area, under Umpleng Police Outpost.
Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed that the explosion occurred inside the illegal coal mine, with several miners suspected to be trapped. Rescue teams immediately rushed to the site.
“During the rescue operations, 18 bodies have been recovered,” said SP Kumar. One injured person was rescued and taken to a hospital in Shillong for treatment.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Special Rescue Team (SRT) are actively engaged in search and recovery efforts at the site.
A suo-motu FIR has been registered under Khliehriat Police Station case no 14/2026, citing violations of the MMDR Act, Explosive Substances Act, and other relevant sections. Investigations are ongoing.
The SP appealed to the public, urging anyone with information about other individuals involved in this illegal activity to come forward. “Their identity will be kept confidential, and a suitable reward will be provided,” he said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with rescue operations still underway.