Mine Explosion in Meghalaya Kills 28 People

On February 5, 2026, a big explosion took place in an illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area of Mynsngat village. The mine is in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The explosion caused the mine to collapse, trapping many workers inside. This tragic incident resulted in the death of at least 28 people. Rescue teams quickly responded to the accident. The teams included the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, police officers, district officials, and local volunteers. They worked together to search for any survivors and assist those affected by the blast. The authorities did not officially confirm the exact number of workers in the mine at the time of the explosion. However, the rescue efforts continue, and officials are doing their best to find and help anyone still trapped. This incident is part of a larger issue with illegal mining in the region. Since 2014, the government of Meghalaya has officially banned rat-hole mining—small-scale mining in narrow tunnels—because of its dangers to workers and the environment. Despite the ban, illegal mining activities have continued, leading to accidents like this one. Following the accident, the government has taken several actions. Authorities have arrested two mine owners, named Forme Chyrmang and Shamehi War, both of whom are in police custody for three days. These arrests are part of the investigation into how the disaster happened. In addition, the government has increased enforcement efforts against illegal mining. They have seized about 3,197 metric tons of coal from nine different locations under Umlawang and an additional 351 metric tons from four locations under Umthe. These measures aim to prevent further illegal activities and improve safety. To support the families affected, the government has announced ex-gratia payments for the next of kin of those who died. Assistance is also being provided to injured workers to help them recover. The government has also set up a Judicial Inquiry Commission. This commission was established under the Commission of Inquiry Act to investigate the circumstances that led to the explosion. The aim is to understand what went wrong and to prevent future incidents. This tragic event has raised serious concerns about the safety of illegal mining activities in Meghalaya. It highlights the risks faced by workers operating in unsafe and illegal conditions. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of strict enforcement of mining laws and environmental regulations. The government and local authorities are committed to investigating the incident thoroughly. They hope to learn from this tragedy and take steps to improve safety and enforce existing laws more effectively. The disaster reminds everyone of the dangers of illegal mining and the need for proper supervision and safety measures. In summary, the mine explosion in Meghalaya resulted in 28 deaths, with rescue operations ongoing. Officials are actively investigating the incident, arresting those involved, and taking steps to control illegal mining activities. The government’s support for the victims’ families and efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future are ongoing. The incident continues to remind the public of the importance of safety and legal compliance in mining activities.