18 people were killed in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya. The tragedy is one of the biggest mining accidents in the state since July 2012.
The mine where the accident happened is an illegal “rat-hole” coal mine. These mines are small, narrow tunnels that are very dangerous. In 2024, the National Green Tribunal had banned illegal rat-hole mining in Meghalaya, but some mines were still operating secretly.
Rescue teams rushed to the site after the explosion, but many miners could not be saved. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the blast.
This accident has raised concerns about the safety of illegal mining and the need for stricter enforcement of mining bans. Villagers and families of the miners are mourning the loss, and officials have promised compensation for the victims’ families.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of unregulated coal mining in Meghalaya.
