An explosion at an unregulated coal mine in Northeast India has tragically claimed the lives of at least 18 people, with further searches ongoing for potential survivors. This incident underscores the dangers associated with illegal mining practices in the region, which often expose workers to hazardous conditions with minimal oversight. As authorities grapple with the aftermath, the need for stricter regulatory measures and improved safety standards becomes increasingly urgent to protect vulnerable laborers.
An explosion at an illicit coal mine in the East Jainta Hills district of Northeast India has resulted in the death of at least 18 individuals, according to local officials. Authorities reported that the explosion occurred in a remote area on Thursday, where police retrieved 18 bodies from the blast site.
In addition to the fatalities, eight other individuals sustained injuries during the incident, as confirmed by local official Manish Kumar. The exact number of workers present at the mine during the explosion remains unclear, raising concerns that additional miners may still be trapped beneath the debris, according to police reports.
Kumar further explained that rescue operations were temporarily halted as night fell, with plans to resume the following day, employing state and federal personnel to assist in the efforts. He described the site as an “illegal rat-hole mine,” a term used to refer to the narrow, deep shafts where miners extract coal in perilous conditions.
District police chief Vikash Kumar stated that initial investigations suggest that the explosion may have been triggered by the use of dynamite; however, the inquiry is ongoing. “It is likely that the workers died either from burn injuries or breathing issues due to the release of noxious fumes,” Kumar noted in a statement.
The chief minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, emphasized the need for accountability in light of the tragedy, pledging that authorities would take action against those responsible for the unsafe mining practices.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced a compensation package of 200,000 rupees (approximately ,216) for each affected family. “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya,” his office stated.
Illegal coal mining is prevalent in Eastern India, where laborers typically earn between to for a full day’s work. This tragic occurrence echoes a similar incident in 2018, in which at least 15 miners perished while trapped in an unregulated mine in Meghalaya. Notably, rat-hole mining has been banned in the state since 2014 due to concerns about environmental contamination and safety.
As this incident highlights, urgent reforms are needed to protect miners and regulate the mining industry effectively in order to prevent future tragedies. #PoliticsNews #WorldNews