At least 18 workers were killed and eight others seriously injured after an explosion ripped through an unauthorized coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India, on Thursday morning, February 5. The blast occurred in the remote Thangsu area, and several workers are feared trapped inside. Police said the total number of miners present remains uncertain, and preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was triggered by dynamite used for illegal coal extraction.

Joint state and central rescue teams launched operations soon after the incident but were forced to suspend efforts Thursday evening due to difficult terrain and lack of equipment. Operations resumed Friday morning. Officials described the site as an illegal “rat-hole” mine with narrow tunnels, where toxic gas and smoke have reduced chances of survival for trapped workers. Most victims reportedly died from burns or suffocation caused by poisonous gases.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed deep sorrow and promised strict action against illegal mining. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for each victim’s family. Despite a 2014 ban on rat-hole mining, weak enforcement has allowed such dangerous operations to continue in remote areas.