SHILLONG: A horrific explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills has claimed the lives of at least 18 miners, sending shockwaves across the state. The blast, triggered by dynamite around 11:00 AM today, has once again turned the spotlight on the dangerous world of unregulated mining.
The explosion occurred in a remote “rat-hole” style mine, approximately 25 kilometers from the district headquarters. Sources indicate that the force of the dynamite blast was so immense it caused neighboring illegal pits to collapse.
Casualties: 18 confirmed dead; 1 critically injured and rushed to Ialong Civil Hospital.
The Location: The site is so rugged that it takes nearly three hours to reach, accessible only by heavy-duty 4×4 vehicles.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed profound grief over the tragedy and moved swiftly to provide financial aid to the victims’ families.
The State Government has announced ex-gratia of ₹3 Lakhs for the next of kin of each deceased.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned ₹2 Lakhs for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund (PMNRF).
The State Government is not taking this lightly. Two Cabinet Ministers, Lahkmen Rymbui and Weiladmiki Shylla, have been dispatched to the site to oversee the situation and submit a detailed report.
Search & Rescue: SDRF and NDRF teams are currently on-site along with the IG of the Eastern Zone and Mining Department officials.
The CM and Deputy CM have ordered the District Administration and Police to arrest and prosecute everyone involved in this illegal operation.
CM Conrad Sangma has issued a stern warning to illegal operators, emphasizing the shift toward Scientific Mining.
“We have already started the process for legal, scientific mining. We urge all miners to apply for licenses under the law. There will be no mercy for those who continue illegal activities that put human lives at such extreme risk,” the Chief Minister stated.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to identify all 18 victims and dismantle the illegal network behind the Thangsko operation.
