During the operation, 18 bodies were recovered from the site
Digital Desk: An explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district claimed at least 18 lives, police said on 5th February
According to the Office of the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, information about the blast was received on the morning of 5th February , 2026. The explosion occurred at an illegal coal mine at Mynsyngat in the Thangsko area under the Umpleng Police Outpost. Senior police officers and personnel rushed to the spot immediately after receiving the alert.
Initial verification confirmed that the explosion took place inside the illegal mine, with several people feared trapped. Rescue and disaster response operations were launched without delay. During the operation, 18 bodies were recovered from the site, while one injured person was rescued and shifted to the Sutnga Community Health Centre before being referred to a higher medical facility for further treatment.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Special Rescue Team (SRT) remain deployed at the site as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Police have registered a suo motu FIR at Khliehriat Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosives Substances Act. An investigation is currently underway.
The police have appealed to the public to share any information related to those involved in the illegal mining activity, assuring confidentiality and a suitable reward for credible inputs.
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