Representative image NEW DELHI: One person was injured while several labourers were trapped and feared dead after an explosion rocked a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, police said.The blast occurred in the Thangsku area, Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said. “Our team has confirmed that the incident took place this morning, but the number of people inside was not confirmed,” Kumar told PTI.According to the police, one injured labourer was first taken to a primary health centre and later referred to Shillong for better medical treatment.The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which officials believe was operating illegally. Asked about the status of the mine, Kumar said, “Yes, it seems like that.” However the exact cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained and an inquiry will be conducted, he added.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing serious environmental damage and safety concerns. Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually 3–4 feet high, through which workers enter to extract coal, often at great risk to their lives.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Open To Explore Commercial Merits Of Venezuela Oil Import’: MEA On Trump’s Russian Oil ClaimIndia Shifts Trade Focus To Gulf Bloc After US And EU Deals, Piyush Goyal Announces Fresh FTA PushRajya Sabha Explodes As Nadda, Mallikarjun Kharge Trade Barbs Over Rahul Gandhi, ‘Gag’ On OppositionArt of the deal: How India turned from Maharaja of tariffs to king of dealsIndia And US Close In On Trade Deal, Union Minister Piyush Goyal Says Signing Likely By Mid-MarchMumbai-Pune Expressway Nightmare Ends After 32 Hours Exposing Gaps In Emergency ResponseLok Sabha Passes President’s Address Without PM’s Reply For The First Time Since 2004 Amid StandoffIndia Can Wait Out Trump: Ajit Doval Warned Marco Rubio Against Bullying On Trade Deal, Says ReportIndia’s AI Rise Gets Global Push As UN Chief Praises Leadership, Nvidia CEO Predicts Job Surge’No Fixed Timeline Yet’: Jaishankar Clears Air About The Process Behind India-US Trade Negotiations123PhotostoriesFrom Kirron Kher to Hina Khan: TV celebrities who fought and survived cancerWhat is RERA and what role it plays in the Real Estate sectorExclusive photos that will shock you: Gas tanker crash chokes Pune–Mumbai expressway for 32 hours7 animals with the strangest and weirdest eyes in the animal kingdom10 things to buy from Surajkund International Crafts Mela this year32 hours, 30,000+ trucks, ambulances frozen, families sleeping in cars: Mega Pune-Mumbai Expressway jam explainedTop 7 real estate hotspots in Greater Noida in 20266 ultra-luxury cars for women who value style and power5 costly mistakes to avoid when purchasing your first homeThe 50: From an ugly clash between Rajat Dalal and Prince Narula to Elvish Yadav’s friend Archit Kaushik physically attacking Maxtern: Highlights from the episode123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingNBA Trade NewsMLB Trade RumorsCardi BKayla NicoleLindsey Vonn ACL InjuryCooper DeJeanTom BradyDenver Nuggets vs Detroit PistonsWho is Mickey Lolich WifeMickey Lolich Passes Away
NEW DELHI: One person was injured while several labourers were trapped and feared dead after an explosion rocked a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, police said.The blast occurred in the Thangsku area, Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said. “Our team has confirmed that the incident took place this morning, but the number of people inside was not confirmed,” Kumar told PTI.According to the police, one injured labourer was first taken to a primary health centre and later referred to Shillong for better medical treatment.The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which officials believe was operating illegally. Asked about the status of the mine, Kumar said, “Yes, it seems like that.” However the exact cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained and an inquiry will be conducted, he added.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing serious environmental damage and safety concerns. Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually 3–4 feet high, through which workers enter to extract coal, often at great risk to their lives.