KHLIEHRIAT/SHILLONG: The death toll in the illegal coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills district has risen to seven from four, with several more workers still feared trapped inside the collapsed mine.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangsko area. Several labourers were killed and one sustained critical injuries after a powerful explosion rocked the site.
Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar, confirmed the incident and said that police and disaster management teams were immediately mobilised.
“Seven bodies have been recovered from an illegal coal mine in Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills district. It is suspected that more individuals are still trapped inside. While police teams are currently at the site, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has not yet arrived,” SP Kumar stated.
Preliminary reports indicate that the blast was caused by a high-intensity dynamite explosion used for mining activities. The explosion triggered the collapse of adjoining mine shafts, trapping workers deep underground and raising fears of further casualties.
According to local sources, the impact was so severe that nearby quarry structures crumbled instantly, significantly hampering rescue operations.
One survivor, who sustained critical injuries, was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. His condition remains critical.
Initial investigations suggest that the mine was operating illegally, in violation of safety regulations and existing government bans on rat-hole mining in the region.
Rescue and search operations are ongoing, and authorities are working to assess the full extent of the tragedy.
Further details are awaited.
