Shillong, Feb 6: At least 18 people died and one person was injured in a dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangskai village under East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in the remote Mynsyngat area, about 25 km from Khliehriat, the district headquarters, which is accessible mainly by four-wheel-drive vehicles.

According to officials, rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Special Rescue Team (SRT) reached the site and recovered 18 bodies. The injured person was initially taken to Sutnga Community Health Centre and later shifted to a higher medical facility for treatment.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of those who died in the blast. The state government also ordered a comprehensive inquiry to determine responsibility. Two cabinet ministers, Lakmen Rymbui and Y. Ladmiki Shilla, were directed to oversee rescue and relief operations at the site. Officials said the government reiterated the need for scientific mining practices and strict action against illegal activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and approved financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), with Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosives Substances Act. Police have appealed for information related to those involved in the illegal mining activities, assuring protection of identity and rewards for credible inputs.

Rescue operations and further investigation into the cause of the explosion and the illegal mining network were continuing at the time of reporting.