At least 18 labourers lost their lives and one sustained serious injuries in a devastating explosion at an illegal coal mine in the remote Thangsko area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday morning, with the State Government directing Cabinet Ministers Lahkmen Rymbui and Wailadmiki Shylla to visit the district early Friday morning to take stock of the situation. The incident, believed to have been caused by a dynamite blast, has once again brought the focus back on the persistent dangers of illegal coal mining in the region, as massive rescue and recovery operations continue in a difficult and inaccessible terrain.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the incident as deeply tragic, stating, “Today we had a very tragic incident that took place in East Jaintia Hills, Where a dynamite explosion had occurred at an illegal coal mine at Mynsyngat, Thangsko area, in East Jaintia Hills. This happened today at around 11 A.M. As per the Current reports about 18 people are reported dead because of this blast. One person was injured and was shifted to Ialong civil hospital.” The Chief Minister said emergency response teams were immediately mobilised, adding, “One SDRF team and Several personals from NDRF are already at the site. Are police department also is at the site including IG of the Eastern Zone is already there. At the same time Officials from the mining department are also there , and ofcourse the local Administration.” Highlighting the logistical challenges, he noted, “This incident has happened in a interior location. It’s about 25 kms from the headquarter. Takes about three hours to reach from the headquarter, very difficult terrain and can be only excessed by 4×4 wheel.” He further informed that senior ministers have been deputed to oversee the situation on the ground, saying, “From the Government side we have asked two of our cabinet Ministers Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla to go to the East Jaintia Hills District as well as to reach the site, meet the officials and have detailed discussion and take necessary action. At the same time Deputy Chief Minister and myself we are in touch with the district administration, with the department and the police.”
Providing operational details, Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar, IPS, said, “Information was received on the morning of 05th February 2026 regarding an explosion that had occurred at an illegal coal mine located at Mynsyngat, Thangsko area under Umpleng Police Outpost. On receipt of the information, senior police officers along with police personnel immediately proceeded to the place of occurrence.” He confirmed the scale of the tragedy, stating, “Upon verification, it was confirmed that an explosion had taken place inside an illegal coal mine, and several persons were suspected to be trapped. Rescue and disaster response operations were initiated without delay. During the course of the rescue operation, a total of 18 (eighteen) dead bodies have been recovered from the site of the explosion. One (01) injured person was rescued and initially shifted to Sutnga Community Health Centre (CHC) and subsequently referred to a higher medical centre for further treatment.”
The SP added that intensive rescue and recovery efforts are continuing with multiple agencies at the site, saying, “Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Special Rescue Team (SRT) are actively engaged at the site, and rescue and recovery efforts are continuing.” He further disclosed that legal action has been initiated, stating, “In connection with the incident Suo-motu FIR has been registered vide Khliehriat PS case no 14/2026 U/s 105/118(2)/3(5) BNS R/W section 21/21(1) MMDR Act R/W section 3 Explosives Substances Act and investigation in on.” Appealing to the public for cooperation, he said, “If any person has any information about other miscreants involved in this illegal act, they are requested to inform the local Police Station immediately. Their identity shall be kept secret and suitable reward shall be given.”
