Shillong, Feb 9: The death toll in the illegal coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district climbed to 27 after two more bodies were recovered during ongoing rescue operations, police said on Sunday. The blast occurred in the Thangskhu area of Umsngat village, triggering a large-scale response amid renewed concerns over unlawful mining in the region.
Officials said the latest recoveries were made as part of an intensive multi-agency search involving the police, disaster response teams and local authorities. Rescue efforts are continuing despite challenging terrain and safety risks at the site. Several individuals are still believed to be missing, and authorities have confirmed that operations will remain underway until all those trapped are located.
Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said efforts are also being made to establish the identities of the deceased, adding that the situation remains complex due to the condition of the site and the scale of the incident. The explosion has highlighted once again the dangers associated with unauthorised mining activities in the district.
In response to the incident, a suo motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act, underscoring the illegal nature of the mining operation.
Police have so far arrested two persons in connection with the case — Former Chyrmang, 36, from Jalaphet Pordung village, and Shamehi War, 42, of Sutnga Pohwailong village — for their alleged roles in running the illegal mine. Investigators indicated that further arrests are likely as the probe progresses.
The tragedy has once again brought illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills under sharp scrutiny, despite longstanding bans and repeated court directives aimed at curbing such activities. Authorities said strict action will be pursued against all those found responsible as the investigation continues.
