Shillong ( Meghalaya), Feb 6 : A devastating dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has claimed 25 lives, with 8 people injured. The blast, which occurred on February 5, 2026, has triggered a massive rescue operation involving NDRF, SDRF, SRT, and BSF teams.
According to official sources, the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations resume on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, while Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced ₹3 lakh ex-gratia.
The government has launched a comprehensive inquiry, and two mine owners have been arrested. Senior officials, including Ministers and the Principal Secretary, have visited the incident site. Medical teams have been mobilized, and the Army and Airforce are on standby.
