Meghalaya Illegal Coal Mine Blast: Death Toll Rises To 25, Two Arrested; Probe Continues

The death toll in the illegal coal mine explosion at Mynsyngat in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya has risen to 25, police said on Friday (February 6), as search and rescue operations continued at the site.

A press release issued by Vikash Kumar, the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, stated that four more bodies were recovered from the mine during the latest rescue operation on Friday. In addition, one injured worker undergoing treatment at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, succumbed to injuries. Two more critically injured persons later died and were brought to Civil Hospital, Khliehriat and Civil Hospital, Jowai by their family members.

So far, 17 of the deceased have been identified and their bodies handed over to relatives after completing legal formalities. The blast took place on Thursday, 5 February.

As of the last report, 6 people from the Cachar district have also lost their lives in the blast. The six deceased labourers are from the Katigorah area and have been identified as Dildar Hussain and Anwar Hussain of Sarishakuri, Faruk Ahmed of Bihara, brothers Puranjay Baishnab and Nikunja Baishnab of Gumra Rajpur, and Krishna Baishnab of Gumra.

In connection with the incident, a suo-motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.

Police have arrested two accused — Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong, both residents of East Jaintia Hills. They have been produced before the court and remanded to three days of police custody.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the other accused, while search, investigation, and legal proceedings continue.