At least four laborers died, and one was critically injured in a powerful explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district. The blast, likely caused by high-intensity dynamite, resulted in the collapse of adjacent mine shafts, trapping workers underground. Rescue efforts were hindered as nearby structures collapsed due to the impact of the explosion.
Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed the incident and mentioned the swift deployment of police and disaster management teams to the site. The injured laborer was first taken to a local health center and later transferred to Shillong for advanced medical care, where his condition remains critical. Initial investigations suggest that the coal mine was operating illegally, disregarding safety regulations and the ban on rat-hole coal mining in the area.
The tragic event has highlighted the persistent issue of illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills, despite previous enforcement actions and bans. Further inquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible for the unauthorized operation. Search and rescue operations by SDRF teams from Jowai are underway in the challenging terrain, with updates expected as the situation unfolds.
