Meghalaya mine blast: Death toll rises to 27 as rescue ops intensify
Meghalaya mine blast: Death toll rises to 27 as rescue ops intensify
Two more bodies recovered in Meghalaya's illegal rat-hole mine as rescue teams press on; officials promise action as dozens remain missing.
A blast ripped through an illegal rat-hole coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on February 5, triggering a massive rescue operation. By February 7, the death toll had risen to 27, with nine workers still in hospitals in Shillong and several others missing. The site is in the Mynsyngat Thangsko area near Umsngat village, a 100-foot vertical pit linked by labyrinthine tunnels that rescuers have been grappling with.
Authorities said most victims have been identified and were from Assam, Meghalaya, and Nepal, underscoring the cross-border networks tied to illegal mining. Two mine owners, Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung village and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong village, were arrested and granted three days in police custody after a local court's order. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force are joined by local units in the effort to reach missing workers.
In parallel, the state government has cracked down on illegal mining operations, closing several mines and confiscating equipment and fuse wires. The crackdown comes amid mounting criticism from community groups and calls for a central probe into governance gaps that allowed the mines to operate.
The incident has reignited debate over the ban on rat-hole mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal and upheld by the Supreme Court. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma promised strict action against those responsible and said accountability would be pursued at the political level.
Rescue operations continue with a heavy presence of NDRF, SDRF and a special rescue unit. Officials say the search for missing workers is ongoing, and authorities stress the need for safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Local families and organisations have demanded accountability and faster rescue efforts, reflecting broader frustration with illegal mining and safety enforcement.
