The death toll from a blast at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has risen to 19, as revealed by state minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Friday. Rescue teams recovered another body in the afternoon, and eight additional individuals were injured in the incident. Efforts are ongoing to find any potential survivors trapped at the site.
During a media briefing at the blast location, Rymbui confirmed that the latest body was recovered around 1:30 PM, raising the total fatalities to 19. He noted that the identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been established, as investigations are still in progress.
The injured individuals have been transported to various medical facilities, with six admitted to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), one to Selsella Community Health Centre in West Garo Hills, and another to a hospital in Juwai. The recovered body has been sent to Khairiyat for further processing.
Rescue operations began promptly following the blast, but efforts were hindered overnight due to difficult terrain and poor visibility. Teams from both the State Disaster Response Force and the National Disaster Response Force, already stationed in the area, reached the site later that night.
On Friday morning, two additional NDRF teams arrived from Guwahati, accompanied by officers and a doctor. District administration officials and medical teams remained present at the scene to assist with ongoing efforts.
Rymbui reported that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to ensure legal action against those responsible. He called for strict measures against illegal mining operations in the region’s remote areas.
The minister announced that the state government would provide ex gratia assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured. He mentioned that similar support has been pledged by both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister.
Rymbui, alongside the health minister, visited the site at the Chief Minister’s direction to monitor rescue and relief operations. A comprehensive report will be submitted to the government soon.
Rescue teams are continuing their operations under challenging conditions, with authorities aiming to conclude the search as quickly as possible.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/video/meghalayas-east-jaintia-hills-mine-blast-toll-rises-to-19-two-arrested-as-rescue-operations-continue-1342316-2026-02-06?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-06 18:42:00
