16 Dead, Several Others Feared Trapped After Blast in Illegal Coal Mine
Shilong: At least 16 workers died and many others were feared trapped following an explosion in an “illegal” coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, Director General of Police I Nongrang said. He said rescue teams had started search operations and added that the incident occurred in the Thangsku area in the morning.
“We have found 16 bodies so far. The exact number of workers in the mine at the time of the explosion has not yet been determined. It is feared that more people will be trapped,” he said.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said a person injured in the blast was taken to Sutnga Primary Health Center before being referred to Shillong hospital for better treatment.
The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities in the area, believed to be an illegal operation.
Asked whether the mine was operating illegally, Kumar replied, “Yes, it seems so.”
He said that the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined and the investigation will continue.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks, and also restricted illegal transportation of coal mined by these methods.
Rathole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 meters high, for workers to move in and out of coal. Horizontal tunnels are often called “mouse holes” because each one just about fits one person.
The Supreme Court later upheld the ban and allowed mining only under scientific and regulated procedures that include environmental protection measures.
