The number of people who lost their lives in the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has increased to 27 after rescue teams recovered two more bodies from the accident site. Officials said search operations are still continuing as several workers are believed to be missing. The explosion occurred at an illegal coal mine located in the Thangskhu area of Umsngat village on Thursday, triggering a large-scale rescue effort involving multiple agencies. Teams from the police, disaster response forces, and local authorities have been working continuously at the site despite difficult terrain, unstable ground conditions, and safety risks inside the abandoned mining pits.
Police officials said the latest bodies were found during an intensive search operation carried out over the past day. With the recovery of these bodies, the death toll has risen to 27, making the incident one of the deadliest mining accidents reported in the region in recent years. Authorities said the search will continue until every missing worker is traced and accounted for.Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar stated that officials are also working to establish the identities of the deceased. Many of the workers were reportedly engaged in informal mining operations, and identification has become challenging due to the absence of proper employment records and the condition of the bodies recovered from the site. The district administration is coordinating with local village leaders and family members to verify the identities through available documents and other means.
Meanwhile, police have initiated legal proceedings in connection with the incident. A suo motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Officials said the case highlights the illegal nature of the mining operation and the alleged violations of safety and regulatory norms that may have contributed to the tragedy. As part of the investigation, two individuals have been arrested so far for their alleged involvement in running the illegal mining operation. The arrested persons have been identified as Former Chyrmang, 36, a resident of Jalaphet Pordung village, and Shamehi War, 42, from Sutnga Pohwailong village. Police officials indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses and additional evidence is gathered.