A devastating coal mine explosion in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, has claimed the lives of at least 18 miners. The incident occurred on Thursday morning. Several others are feared trapped deep inside the mine, raising concerns about further casualties.

According to initial reports, the blast was triggered by a high-intensity dynamite explosion used for mining activities. The force of the explosion caused adjoining mine shafts to collapse, trapping the workers underground. Local sources indicated that the impact was so severe that nearby quarry structures crumbled instantly, significantly hampering rescue operations.

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikash Kumar stated that police and disaster management teams were immediately dispatched to the site. Rescue operations are currently underway, but faced initial setbacks due to lack of equipment. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the tragedy.

One survivor, who sustained critical injuries, was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and subsequently transferred to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. Their condition remains critical.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the mine was operating illegally, in violation of safety regulations and existing government bans on rat-hole mining in the region. The blast occurred in a 'rat-hole' mine, characterized by tunnels that are only large enough for workers to crawl through. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014 due to frequent loss of life, severe environmental damage, and threats to flora and fauna.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, ₹50,000 will be provided to those injured.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma conveyed his deep sorrow and has ordered an inquiry into the mine blast.

A suo-motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat Police Station (Case No. 14/2026) under Sections 105, 118(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 21 and 21(1) of the MMDR Act and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act.

This incident marks one of the biggest mishaps since July 2012, when 15 miners died in a flooded mine in the State's South Garo Hills district.