BY PC Bureau
February 5, 2026 —At least 18 people were killed and several others remain trapped after a powerful explosion ripped through an illegal coal mine in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, early Thursday morning, triggering a major rescue and relief operation.
According to police officials, the blast occurred during active mining operations and is believed to have been caused by the detonation of high-intensity dynamite used for coal extraction. The explosion led to the collapse of multiple adjoining mine shafts, burying workers deep underground and severely complicating rescue efforts.
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Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikash Kumar said that police, disaster response units, and local emergency teams were immediately rushed to the site upon receiving information about the incident. “Preliminary findings suggest a powerful dynamite explosion. The force of the blast caused structural collapse inside the mine, trapping several workers. Rescue operations are ongoing under extremely challenging conditions,” he said.
Official statement on the Meghalaya coal tragedy.
18 bodies recovered so far @scroll_inhttps://t.co/N4MwrVtpT4 pic.twitter.com/yVzmeV2CXe
— Rokibuz Zaman (@ZamanRokibuz_) February 5, 2026
Local sources reported that the impact of the explosion was so intense that nearby quarry structures crumbled instantly, filling tunnels with debris and toxic fumes. The unstable terrain and narrow shafts have significantly slowed rescue operations, forcing teams to proceed cautiously to avoid further cave-ins.
One critically injured survivor was initially rushed to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being referred to Shillong for advanced treatment. Doctors said his condition remains critical, and he is being closely monitored.
Illegal Mining Under Scanner
Initial investigations indicate that the mine was operating illegally, in violation of existing government bans on rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya. Despite repeated crackdowns and court directives, illegal mining activities are believed to persist in remote areas of the district, often without basic safety measures.
Senior officials confirmed that a high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine accountability and establish whether safety regulations were grossly violated. Authorities are also probing the source of the explosives and the circumstances leading to the blast.
PM Modi, CM Sangma Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a social media message, he described the incident as “extremely saddening” and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of those killed, and ₹50,000 for each injured person.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also expressed deep grief and said the state government stands with the affected families in this moment of tragedy. “This is a heartbreaking incident. An inquiry has been ordered, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said in a statement.
Rescue and search operations are continuing round-the-clock, with specialised disaster management teams deployed to trace trapped workers. Heavy equipment, oxygen support systems, and medical teams have been mobilised, though narrow tunnels, unstable structures, and water seepage are making operations extremely difficult.
Authorities said the final casualty count may rise, as several miners are still feared trapped underground.
Further updates are awaited as rescue efforts continue.
