NEW DELHI: At least eighteen people lost their lives and one got injured after an explosion occurred Thursday (Feb 5) at around 11am at a rat-hole coal mine in the Thangsku area in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. Also, several labourers are feared trapped inside the coal mine following the explosion.
The injured labourer has sustained critical injuries. He was initially admitted at the Sutnga Primary Health Centre, but later was shifted to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. However, his condition continues to remain critical, as per the hospital sources.
Rescue ops underway
Rescue teams, including that of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and local administration have reached the spot and carrying out search and rescue operations.
Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar has confirmed the explosion occured today morning and said immediate steps were taken, and assistance from the SDRF was sought to carry out rescue operations.
Also, three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rsuhed to the explosion site to pace up the rescue operations.
Was the mine illegal?
According to the preliminary investigations, the coal mine was operating illegally. It was violating the existing safety norms and the long-standing ban on rat-hole coal mining in the region.
However, the exact cause of the exploasion has not been confirmed by the authrities as of now. Investigation is underway to identify the reason as well as those responsible for the illegal operation of the mine.
Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the use of high-intensity dynamite for mining operations led to the explosion. Notably, the explosion triggered collapse of adjoining mine shafts and quarry structures, which further intensified the damage.
Govt orders comprehensive inquiry
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the explosion. He tweeted: “Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.”
The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
CM Sangma affirmed that strict action will be taken against individuals who are involved in any kind of illegal activities. He said, “Whoever is responsible for this particular incident, very strict action will be taken. We will not let anybody who is involved in this, let go. But at the same time, with the start of scientific mining, it is expected that all miners will apply for the mining. Now, there is an option. These are things that cannot be tolerated anymore…We are waiting for further report that comes in, based on that I will be in regular touch with the press…”
PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
In a message posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.” - The Statesman/ANN
