East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya – Grief and fear gripped a remote corner of India after a blast at an illegal coal mine perhaps trapped dozens of workers, officials said.
Illegal Coal mine Blast in india Feared to Trap Dozens
A desperate rescue operation is underway in Meghalaya following an explosion at an unapproved coal mine, raising concerns about worker safety and the ongoing problem of illegal mining.
- The blast occured in the Thangsku area of Mynsngat village, roughly 30 kilometers from Khliehriat.
- Local elders estimate between 30 and 40 people might potentially be trapped inside the mine.
- Rescue efforts are hampered by the remote location, tough terrain, and safety concerns.
- An activist has accused the government of failing to address the dangers of illegal coal mining.
What are the risks of illegal coal mining? Illegal coal mining often lacks safety regulations, leading to accidents like collapses and explosions, and exploits vulnerable workers who have limited options for employment.
The explosion took place in the Thangsku area of Mynsngat village, approximately 30 kilometers from the district headquarters at khliehriat, according to officials.Scenes of chaos unfolded as women and children from nearby worker shelters cried after the blast, with rescue teams quickly arriving at the site.
videos circulating on social media showed plumes of thick smoke rising from what locals identified as three mine shafts shortly after the explosion. Local elders in Mynsyngat expressed fears that more than 30 to 40 people were inside the mine when the blast occurred.
Thangsku is a heavily forested and isolated area known for its numerous illegal coal mine shafts. Rescue operations were slowed by the challenging terrain and growing safety concerns as darkness fell.
Many of those working in the mines are daily wage laborers who have traveled from various parts of Meghalaya, as well as from Assam and Nepal, residents said. Relatives and villagers have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting news as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Anti-mining activist Agnes Kharshiing placed blame on the government and district authorities, alleging that illegal coal mining has continued despite repeated warnings and previous accidents.
“This is a homicide,” Kharshiing told PTI, adding that the accident demonstrates what she described as attempts by the state government to conceal the reality of ongoing illegal mining operations.
Kharshiing herself was previously attacked by individuals involved in the coal mafia, sustaining injuries that required extensive treatment.
Police have registered a case related to the incident, and an examination is underway to identify those responsible for the alleged illegal mining activities.
