Last Updated:
The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation.
AI generated
One person was injured and several labourers were feared trapped after an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in a village in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, police said.
Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said that the incident occurred in the Thangsku area.
“Our team has confirmed that the incident took place this morning, but the number of people inside was not confirmed,” Kumar told PTI.
According to Kumar, one person sustained injuries and was initially taken to a primary health centre before being referred to the state capital Shillong for better treatment.
The police have sought assistance from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to carry out rescue operations at the site. “The SDRF team are yet to come,” Kumar said.
The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation.
When asked if the mine was operating illegally, the police officer said it appeared so, adding that the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined and an inquiry will be conducted.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks, while also restricting illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods.
Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed “rat-holes”, as each just about fits one person.
(With inputs from PTI)
Meghalaya, India, India
February 05, 2026, 16:39 IST
Read More
Author: Aman Deep Walia
Aman Deep Walia Founder/Editor-In-Chief Amanopedia News Aman Deep Walia, also known as Aadi, is an Indian media entrepreneur, actor, producer, writer, and director based in Mumbai, India. As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AMANOPEDIA News, he leads a fast-growing digital entertainment platform delivering verified industry updates, celebrity features, and cultural commentary across web and social media. With creative credits spanning films, theatre, and advertising. Aman brings a multidisciplinary perspective to storytelling. His work reflects a commitment to authenticity, versatility, and audience-driven narratives across genres. Beyond performance and production, he is actively engaged as a journalist and digital content creator, bridging mainstream cinema with emerging media formats. He has also contributed as a casting director and lyricist, further expanding his creative footprint within the Indian entertainment landscape. Through AMANOPEDIA, Aman continues to position himself at the intersection of journalism, cinema, and digital innovation.
