Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 5: A devastating dynamite blast at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has claimed 18 lives, with one person injured and several others feared trapped. The explosion occurred in the Thangsku area, prompting a massive rescue operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Fire and Emergency Services.
The mine, suspected to be operating illegally, was using rat-hole mining techniques, banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 due to environmental and safety concerns. The blast has raised concerns about enforcement failures and risks to human life, with the Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey committee probing illegal coal mining and transportation in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has ordered a comprehensive inquiry, promising strict legal action against those responsible.
The police have registered a suo-motu FIR and launched an investigation, with a reward announced for information on those involved in the illegal activity.
The injured have been shifted to Shillong for treatment, and authorities are working to identify the victims and notify their families. This incident is the latest in a series of accidents linked to illegal coal mining in the district, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement.
