Fri Feb 06 01:09:49 UTC 2026: ### Illegal Coal Mine Explosion in Meghalaya Claims 18 Lives
The Story:
On February 5, 2026, a devastating explosion at an illegally operated rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district resulted in the deaths of at least 18 miners. The incident, triggered by a dynamite blast that flooded the pit, has raised serious concerns about safety standards and the persistence of illegal mining activities in the region. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with fears that several other miners remain trapped.
Key Points:
- The explosion occurred in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on February 5, 2026.
- At least 18 miners were killed, and several others are feared trapped.
- The incident is one of the biggest mishaps since July 2012, when 15 miners died in a flooded mine in South Garo Hills district.
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned the hazardous mining method in 2014.
Key Takeaways:
- The persistence of illegal rat-hole mining in Meghalaya despite the 2014 NGT ban highlights the challenges in enforcing environmental regulations and preventing dangerous mining practices.
- The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring and regulation of mining activities to ensure the safety of miners.
- The high casualty count points to systemic failures in safety protocols and oversight within the illegal mining sector.
First Piper 