Meghalaya coal mine blast: Death toll rises to 27 as two more bodies recoveredcontent framecontent frame

A devastating blast at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya has resulted in at least 27 deaths as of February 7, 2026. The explosion occurred on February 5 in the Mynsyngat Thangsko area. Rescue operations involving the NDRF and SDRF are ongoing, with several workers still feared trapped in 100-foot vertical pits and labyrinthine tunnels. Nine workers are currently receiving treatment in Shillong. Two mine owners, Forme Chyrmang and Shamehi War, have been arrested and are in police custody. Authorities have also closed down multiple illegal mines and seized explosives. Local organizations, including the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) and the Hynniewtrep Youth Council, have criticized the state government for failing to enforce a 2014 National Green Tribunal ban on rat-hole mining. Demands for a central agency probe and accountability at the political level have been issued.