Rescue Teams Continue Search at Illegal Mining Site
The death toll from a powerful explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district rose to 19 on Friday after rescue teams recovered another body from the site. Authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations remain underway amid hazardous conditions.
The blast occurred on Thursday at Mynsyngat in the Thangskai area. Preliminary reports indicate that a dynamite explosion inside the mine triggered the incident, leading to multiple casualties and injuries.
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Multi-Agency Rescue Effort Underway
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Special Response Team (SRT) continue intensive operations at the site. Despite the risks, personnel are working round the clock to locate any remaining trapped miners.
East Jaintia Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner CP Mawkan confirmed that rescue workers had earlier recovered 18 bodies before finding another victim on Friday. He also stated that eight injured individuals were rescued and moved to safer locations for medical care.
“We are continuing the search for anyone who may still be trapped inside the pit,” Mawkan said, adding that authorities remain on high alert.
Arrests Made in Illegal Mining Case
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government has taken action against those involved in the illegal operation. Meghalaya Minister Lakhmen Rymbul confirmed that two persons have been arrested in connection with the unauthorised coal mining activity.
Officials have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast and identify others linked to the operation. Authorities have reiterated that illegal mining poses serious risks to both workers and nearby communities.
Difficult Terrain Hampers Rescue Operations
Rescue teams continue to face severe challenges due to the remote and rugged terrain of the mining area. NDRF DIG Operations Mohsin Shahedi said teams had to travel nearly 50 kilometres to reach the site.
Moreover, access remains limited as the area is reachable only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Steep slopes, unstable ground, and the risk of secondary explosions have further complicated rescue efforts.
“Operations are extremely difficult due to the dangerous conditions inside the mine and the surrounding terrain,” Shahedi said.
Hazardous Conditions at the Blast Site
Officials reported that the mine pit remains highly unstable. Accumulated debris, narrow tunnels, and the presence of explosive materials have increased risks for rescue workers. As a result, teams are proceeding cautiously while using specialised equipment.
Despite these challenges, authorities have assured that rescue efforts will continue until all missing individuals are accounted for.
Renewed Focus on Illegal Mining in Meghalaya
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent problem of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills region. Environmental activists and civil society groups have repeatedly raised concerns about unsafe mining practices and regulatory lapses.
State officials have stated that stricter enforcement and monitoring will follow the incident. They have also appealed to local communities to cooperate with authorities and report illegal activities.
Search Operations to Continue
As rescue operations enter another critical phase, officials have urged patience and caution. Authorities have deployed additional personnel and equipment to speed up the search while ensuring the safety of responders.
The tragedy has left the region in shock, with families awaiting news of missing loved ones. Officials said further updates would be shared as operations progress.
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