At least 18 individuals lost their lives in a tragic explosion at an unauthorized coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, leading to immediate relief measures from both state and central governments and the registration of a suo motu FIR aimed at combating illegal mining activities. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased victim. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, sourced from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
This financial assistance is intended to provide immediate support to the grieving families and those injured in what is considered one of the deadliest mining disasters in recent memory for the region. The Meghalaya government expressed gratitude for the timely support from the central government during this period of profound sorrow.
In response to the incident, authorities in East Jaintia Hills filed a suo motu FIR at the Khliehriat Police Station, invoking several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), in addition to provisions from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Explosives Substances Act. This legal action represents a crucial step toward addressing the ongoing issue of illegal coal mining in the district.
Police launched an investigation after reports of a significant blast in Mynsyngat village, located in the Thangsko area under the Umpleng Police Outpost’s jurisdiction. Senior officials rushed to the scene to evaluate the situation and supervise the emergency response.
Rescue teams successfully retrieved all 18 bodies from the collapsed mine after a day of extensive operations. One individual was rescued alive from the rubble and initially treated at the Sutnga Community Health Centre before being transferred to a higher medical facility for further care.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Special Rescue Teams remain deployed on-site as recovery and safety assessments continue. Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar has urged the public to provide any information regarding those involved in the illegal mining operation. Authorities have promised strict confidentiality and rewards for credible tips as the investigation escalates to establish accountability for the tragedy.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-cm-announce-rs-3-lakh-ex-gratia-for-victims-kin-in-coal-mine-blast-1341866-2026-02-05?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-05 22:16:00
