Seven more bodies found in Meghalaya coal mine blast, toll hits 25

The death toll from the illegal coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya rose to 25 on Friday following the recovery of seven additional bodies, officials said.

The explosion occurred on Thursday at the mine in the Thangsku area of Umsngat village , prompting large-scale search and rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force, Special Rescue Team, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) .

So far, 12 bodies have been identified, while teams continue their painstaking efforts to locate any remaining victims. At least five injured workers are receiving medical care, officials said.

The district administration and State Disaster Management Authority are closely monitoring the situation, with Army and Air Force units on standby to assist if required.

The incident has highlighted the dangers of unauthorised “rat-hole” coal mining, a hazardous practice long criticised for endangering human lives and the environment.

Authorities are committed to completing the identification process and providing timely support to the victims’ families, while reinforcing enforcement against illegal mining activities.