At least 18 workers were killed and several others are feared trapped underground following a powerful explosion at an illegal coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on Thursday, officials said. Rescue and relief operations are underway, with personnel from state and national agencies involved in the search.
Local authorities and police confirmed that the blast occurred in a “rat-hole” coal mine — a type of narrow and hazardous shaft often used in unregulated mining — located in a remote part of the district. Such mines have long been associated with dangerous working conditions, and despite being banned due to safety and environmental concerns, illegal operations persist in the region.
Rescuers recovered bodies from the site, and eight workers were reported injured. The exact number of people who were inside the mine at the time of the explosion remains unclear, raising fears that others may still be trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue efforts were paused at sundown on Thursday and are expected to resume with fresh support of state and federal teams.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed grief over the incident and said the state government has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the blast. Authorities are also working on identifying the victims and providing assistance to their families. National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed to aid in the ongoing operations.
The tragedy has once again
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