Meghalaya: At least 18 miners have died and one remains critically injured following an explosion at an illegally operated coal mine in India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya, police confirmed. Rescue operations are ongoing amid fears that more workers may still be trapped underground.
The blast occurred around 11:00 local time (05:30 GMT) in the East Jaintia Hills district, approximately 72km from the state capital Shillong. According to Meghalaya Police Superintendent Vikash Kumar, the explosion took place inside the mine and is suspected to have been caused by dynamite used during mining operations.
Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.
The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability…
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 5, 2026
Authorities said the accident was linked to rat-hole mining, a hazardous and banned method involving the use of explosives to carve narrow tunnels through which workers crouch to extract coal. Despite a blanket ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014 and later upheld by the Supreme Court, the practice has continued in parts of the state, activists say.
The identities of the victims and the owners of the mine are yet to be established. Police have registered a case against unidentified individuals and said investigations are underway to fix responsibility. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said accountability would be ensured. Conrad Sangma remarked that, “Those responsible will face strict legal action.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation of $2,206 (₹200,000) for the families of the deceased and $551 (₹50,000) for the injured. Residents told reporters that many of the miners were believed to be from neighbouring Assam. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state would extend full support to affected families if this is confirmed.
The incident is among the deadliest mining accidents in Meghalaya in recent years. In 2018, at least 15 miners were trapped after a rat-hole mine was flooded, with rescue efforts lasting months. Activists continue to warn that illegal coal mining persists due to high demand for coal, poverty in mining regions, weak enforcement in remote areas and alleged political patronage. Similar fatal accidents linked to illegal mining have been reported in several states, including Assam, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Gujarat, highlighting ongoing safety and regulatory failures.
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