Four labourers were killed and another seriously injured on Thursday after an explosion trapped them deep inside a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district. The incident occurred in the Thangsku area, according to Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar.

Police officials suspect that the blast took place during ongoing coal extraction activities at the site, which are believed to be operating in violation of mining regulations. The injured worker has been taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while rescue operations continue.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been called in to assist with the operation. “The SDRF team has yet to arrive, and rescue efforts are being coordinated with local authorities,” said SP Kumar, emphasizing the challenging conditions inside the mine.

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Meghalaya has long prohibited rat-hole mining, a method involving narrow tunnels just large enough for one worker, following a 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order. The Supreme Court later upheld this ban, permitting mining only under regulated, scientific methods with strict environmental safeguards.

Police confirmed that the Thangsku mine appears to have been operating illegally. An official inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the blast and determine accountability, highlighting ongoing concerns over safety and enforcement in the region’s coal sector.

This incident underscores the persistent risks associated with unregulated mining practices in Meghalaya, where safety protocols are often ignored. Authorities now face mounting pressure to prevent future tragedies and enforce existing bans more rigorously.

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