A devastating blast at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, claimed 18 lives on February 5, 2026.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of unregulated mining operations in the region. Rescue efforts continued as families mourned the loss, and authorities worked to locate missing miners amid the disaster.
IMAGE: Rescue operations underway at an illegal rat-hole coal mine site in East Jaintia Hills on Friday to rescue trapped mine workers. Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
IMAGE: An NDRF team arrives at the site on Friday to rescue trapped mine workers after a blast at an illegal rat-hole coal mine on Thursday, here and below. Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
IMAGE: The blast claimed 18 lives. Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
IMAGE: Family members and others gather at the disaster site in East Jaintia Hills on Friday, here and below. Photograph: ANI Video Grab
.Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photograph: ANI Video Grab
Photographs curated by and Feature Presentation by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
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