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Meghalaya orders judicial probe into blast at illegal coal mine that killed 27
A dynamite blast at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills killed 27 miners and injured 9 on February 5, 2026. Rescue operations continued amid challenges, leading to arrests, government aid, and a judicial probe.
Why It Matters
The tragedy underscores ongoing illegal rat-hole mining despite a 2014 ban, highlighting safety risks, environmental damage, and deaths among migrant workers from Assam and beyond.
Timeline
7 Events
Government orders comprehensive judicial probe
February 8, 2026
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announces judicial inquiry to fix accountability and ensure strict legal action; Assam CM offers support to affected families.
Court-appointed committee inspects site
February 8, 2026
Committee led by former Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey visits site, determines dynamite blast in adjacent pit ignited methane gas pocket causing devastation across four pits.
Families receive bodies, aid announced
February 8, 2026
Families from Assam, Bengal, and Nepal gather at Khliehriat Civil Hospital to collect unrecognizable burnt bodies; PM Narendra Modi announces Rs 200,000 per deceased family and Rs 50,000 for injured.
Death toll confirmed at 27, 9 injured
February 7, 2026, 1:00 PM
State government issues statement confirming 27 dead and 9 injured with burns; search operations continue.
Two mine owners arrested
February 5, 2026
State police register case and arrest two mine owners in connection with the blast amid rising public pressure.
Initial rescue response and body recovery begins
February 5, 2026, evening
NDRF and SDRF reach the remote site after delays due to off-road access; 18 bodies recovered from two mining holes, 8 injured treated at local health centre then referred elsewhere.
Blast occurs at illegal rat-hole mine
February 5, 2026, 11:00 AM local time
Explosion suspected from dynamite rips through a rat-hole coal mine in Mynsyngat village, Thangsko area, East Jaintia Hills district, killing miners and injuring others.