18 Killed in Suspected Illegal Coal Mine Blast in Meghalaya; Probe Ordered

8. Lalmatia Open-Cast Mine Accident (2016, Jharkhand) | At least 23 workers were killed when a huge mound of coal collapsed at an open-cast mine in Lalmatia. Many of the victims were contract workers. The disaster raised questions about the safety of large coal dumps and the use of heavy machinery near unstable zones. (Representative Image: Canva)

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CNBC TV18•05-02-2026, 22:06

18 Killed in Suspected Illegal Coal Mine Blast in Meghalaya; Probe Ordered

•An explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district killed at least 18 labourers.
•The blast occurred in the Thangsku area, and rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies, with fears that more workers may still be trapped.
•One injured worker was shifted to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment.
•Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF.
•Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma ordered a comprehensive inquiry, promising strict action against those responsible, while the NGT and Supreme Court had previously banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya.

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