Sixteen labourers killed in Meghalaya coal mine dynamite blast.
16 Killed In Meghalaya Coal Mine Blast
Sixteen labourers were killed after a powerful explosion inside a coal mine in Meghalaya, triggering a major rescue and investigation effort. Authorities said the blast occurred during mining operations and was suspected to have been caused by stored explosives used for excavation work.
Meghalaya coal mine blast details
The explosion took place in a privately operated rat-hole style coal mine in a remote hilly area. Initial reports indicated that dynamite kept for breaking rock formations detonated inside the shaft, collapsing sections of the tunnel and trapping workers underground. Local residents reported hearing a loud blast followed by smoke emerging from the mine entrance.
Rescue teams from police, disaster response units and local authorities rushed to the site and recovered bodies after several hours of operation. Due to the narrow tunnels and unstable ground, the rescue process was slow and risky.
Illegal mining and safety violations
Officials confirmed the mine did not have full safety compliance and an investigation has been launched into the storage and handling of explosives. Meghalaya has long faced scrutiny over hazardous small-scale coal mining practices, especially rat-hole mining, where workers dig narrow vertical shafts without modern safety systems.
Authorities are examining whether explosives were stored improperly or detonated accidentally during drilling operations. Criminal cases are expected against mine operators if negligence is confirmed.
Government response and investigation
The state government announced compensation for victims’ families and ordered a detailed probe into the incident. Senior officials also directed district authorities to inspect nearby mining sites and enforce safety regulations.
The accident has renewed concerns over worker safety in informal mining operations across the region, with calls for stricter monitoring and enforcement of mining laws.
