Meghalaya coal mine blast: 18 labourers killed, 1 injured; several more feared trapped

Smoke billows after an explosion (right image) at an illegal coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, on February 5, 2026. (Image: PTI, Reuters)

At least 18 labourers were killed while several others are feared trapped following an explosion at an "illegal" coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, police said.

"We have recovered 16 bodies so far. The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped," Director General of Police I Nongrang said.

Since then, two more deaths have been confirmed, taking the death count to 18, PTI reported.

Rescue teams have been engaged in search operations, the officer said, adding that the incident occurred in the Thangsku area in the morning during coal mining activities at the site, which are believed to be illegal.

It was not immediately clear how many workers were in the mine at the time of the explosion or what caused the blast.

When East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar was asked whether the mine was operating illegally, he said, "Yes, it seems like that." He said the cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained, and an inquiry will be conducted.