Meghalaya – Rescue Teams Recover Another Body in East Jaintia Hills Mine Tragedy
Meghalaya – Rescue teams recovered one more body on Wednesday from the site of the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, pushing the confirmed death toll to 19, officials said.
Recovery Efforts Continue in Difficult Terrain
The latest recovery was carried out jointly by personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and Special Rescue Teams, who have been working continuously at the accident site. Authorities said search operations are still underway as concerns remain that more victims could be trapped inside the mine shaft.
The explosion occurred in the Mynsyngat area of Thangskai, a remote and rugged part of East Jaintia Hills known for its challenging terrain. Rescue officials noted that access to the site is limited, with movement possible only through four-wheel-drive vehicles, slowing down the pace of operations.
Two Arrested in Connection With Illegal Mining
Meghalaya Minister Lakhmen Rymbui confirmed that two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The arrests are linked to allegations of illegal coal mining activities at the site, which has once again raised questions about enforcement and safety practices in the region.
Officials have not yet disclosed further details about the identities of those arrested or the specific charges they may face. Investigations are ongoing to determine responsibility for the blast and to establish whether safety regulations were violated.
Injured Workers Shifted to Medical Facilities
According to district authorities, eight people sustained injuries in the explosion and were evacuated from the area soon after the incident. They were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Officials said their conditions are being monitored, though no updated medical bulletin has been released so far.
CP Mawkan, Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, said emergency teams remain focused on locating any remaining bodies inside the pit. He added that the rescue operation is being conducted with caution due to the unstable condition of the mine.
Explosion Triggered by Dynamite Blast
Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion was caused by a dynamite blast carried out inside the mine. Mohsin Shahedi, Deputy Inspector General of Operations with the NDRF, said teams were alerted to the incident late Tuesday morning and were mobilized immediately.
He explained that rescue units stationed nearly 50 kilometers away were dispatched without delay and worked alongside state forces, local fire services, and district administration officials. Despite the quick response, the geographical challenges and safety risks inside the mine have made the operation complex and time-consuming.
Search Operations Still Underway
Authorities have not confirmed how many people may still be trapped inside the mine. Rescue teams are using specialized equipment to navigate the pit while ensuring the safety of personnel involved in the operation.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers associated with coal mining in Meghalaya, particularly in areas where illegal mining has been reported in the past. State officials said further action will be taken once rescue efforts are complete and investigations conclude.
For now, operations at the site continue as families await information about missing workers.