Suspected dynamite explosion at an illegal rat-hole mine triggers hill collapse, exposing ongoing dangers of banned coal mining practices
New Delhi: A deadly explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has killed at least 10 migrant workers from Assam, once again highlighting the severe risks posed by banned rat-hole mining. The suspected dynamite blast occurred on February 4, 2026, at an unlicensed site, causing a partial hill collapse and leaving one worker critically injured. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue search operations in the unstable area.
Blast at Illegal Mine
The incident occurred in the Mynsyngat Thangsko area, a remote and forested stretch known for illegal mining activity. According to preliminary findings, workers were using dynamite inside the narrow underground tunnels when the explosion took place. As a result, parts of the mine collapsed, trapping workers and making access extremely difficult for rescue teams.
Death Toll May Rise
Rescue personnel have recovered four bodies so far, while officials estimate that at least ten workers may have died based on missing labourers and local reports. Meanwhile, one severely injured worker suffered extensive burn injuries and was immediately shifted to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. Authorities have warned that further recoveries are possible as debris removal continues.
Assam Workers Among Dead
Officials confirmed that most of the victims were migrant labourers from Assam who had come to Meghalaya in search of livelihood opportunities. Three deceased workers have been identified as Faruk Ahmed from Bihara village under Katigora police station, and Dildar Hussain and Anwora Hussain from Sharisha Kuri village. The identity of the fourth recovered body has not yet been confirmed. Authorities have also not released details of the injured worker.
Also Read: Morning Drinks That Help in Fast Weight Loss
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Soon after the blast, teams from the State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services, and local police reached the site to carry out rescue and recovery operations. East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed the recovery of bodies and said teams are working cautiously due to the risk of further collapse. Difficult terrain, lack of proper entry routes, and unstable tunnels have slowed rescue efforts.
Probe Into Explosion
Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion, with initial evidence pointing to the use of dynamite during illegal mining activities. Although no arrests have been made so far, officials indicated that a suo motu case is likely to be registered. Investigators also noted that early reports underestimated the scale of casualties, which hospital records later confirmed.
Series of Accidents
This incident is not isolated. East Jaintia Hills has witnessed several fatal accidents linked to illegal mining in recent months. On December 23, 2025, a similar dynamite blast in the Mynsyngat Thangsko area killed two miners, including one suspected Bangladeshi national who died on the spot and Ashok Tamang from Assam, who later died on January 1, 2026. Another accident on January 14, 2026, claimed the life of Mosaid Ali, a 48 year old worker from Assam’s Hojai district, after a mine collapse in Umthe village. In recent weeks alone, at least seven deaths have been linked to illegal mining in the district.
Mining Ban Ignored
The National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya in 2014 due to serious environmental damage and extreme safety hazards. Although courts later permitted regulated scientific mining under strict conditions, illegal operations continue to thrive in remote areas like East Jaintia Hills. Narrow tunnels, lack of safety measures, and use of explosives make these sites extremely dangerous for workers.
Pressure on Authorities
The Justice retired B P Katakey committee, appointed by the Meghalaya High Court, along with the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, has repeatedly ordered investigations into mining-related deaths and stressed the need for stronger enforcement. Despite these directives, illegal mining continues, often relying on vulnerable migrant workers driven by economic hardship.
Also Read: The 50 Show: Maxtern’s Comments On Elvish Yadav Trigger Major House Clash
The latest tragedy has renewed calls for strict action against illegal mining networks, improved enforcement on the ground, and better protection for migrant labourers to prevent further loss of life.
