At least 16 workers were killed and several others are feared trapped in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday. Director General of Police Aai Nongrang said that we have recovered 16 bodies so far. The exact number of workers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is not yet known and there is a possibility that more people may be trapped.
The official said that rescue teams are engaged in search operations. He further said that this incident happened during illegal coal mining in Thangku area in the morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief. On the other hand, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced a high-level inquiry. At the same time, the PMO has announced to give an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased from the Prime Minister's National Security Fund (PMNRF). The injured will be given Rs 50,000.
Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the laborers killed in the Meghalaya accident. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Minister of the state, Conrad Sangma. The Home Minister took complete information about the accident. Also assured of all possible help for relief and rescue.
President Draupadi Murmu wrote on Instagram that he was deeply saddened to hear the news of the loss of lives of workers in Meghalaya. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Whereas Vice President CP Radhakrishnan tweeted, my heartfelt condolences are with the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 5, 2026
Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy expressed deep grief over the deaths at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. He said that the Coal Ministry is in touch with the Meghalaya government so that the people still trapped can be rescued soon. He also directed the ministry to seek a complete report from the state government so that the culprits can be decided and recurrence of such incidents can be prevented in future.
