Disaster

Meghalaya illegal coal mine blast kills 27; government orders judicial inquiry

Updated February 9, 2026 at 08:02 AM

A blast in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, on February 5, 2026, killed 27 workers and injured 9. The government ordered a comprehensive inquiry, police registered a case, and two arrests were made.

Why It Matters

Highlights ongoing illegal rat-hole mining in Meghalaya despite 2014 ban, raising safety concerns for migrant workers from Assam, Meghalaya, and Nepal.

Timeline

4 Events

Search operations continue

February 8, 2026

Rescue efforts ongoing amid challenges from landslips, sub-surface water, and narrow tunnels. Victims' families wait at site; workers from Assam, Meghalaya, and Nepal among dead.

Death toll rises and government orders inquiry

February 7, 2026

Death toll confirmed at 27 after recovery of two more bodies. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Nine injured receiving treatment in Meghalaya and Assam hospitals.

Police register case and make arrests

February 5, 2026

District police registered a case; two people arrested in connection with the blast.

Explosion in illegal rat-hole coal mine

February 5, 2026, 11 AM

Blast occurred at Mynsyngat-Thangsko mine, likely caused by dynamite. Rescue delayed due to remote location accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. NDRF and SDRF reached by evening, recovered initial bodies and rescued 8 injured workers treated for burns.