At least 18 people lost their lives after a powerful explosion ripped through an illegal “rat-hole” coal mine in India, triggering renewed outrage over the continued practice of one of the country’s most dangerous forms of mining. Rescue officials said the blast occurred deep inside a narrow tunnel, trapping workers underground and leaving little chance of escape.
According to preliminary reports, the explosion is suspected to have been caused by a build-up of methane gas, a common hazard in unregulated coal mines. The blast led to a partial collapse of the tunnel, burying miners under debris and toxic fumes. Local residents alerted authorities after hearing a loud explosion, following which emergency teams rushed to the site.
Rescue operations continued for several hours, with disaster response teams and local volunteers working in extremely challenging conditions. Narrow shafts, poor ventilation, and the risk of further collapses slowed efforts. Officials confirmed that 18 bodies were recovered, while fears remain that more workers may still be trapped.
Rat-hole mining involves digging small, vertical pits and horizontal tunnels, often just wide enough for one person to crawl through. The practice is widely criticised for its inhumane working conditions, lack of safety equipment, and severe environmental damage. Despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) several years ago, the method continues clandestinely in parts of the country due to high coal demand and limited alternative livelihoods.
Local authorities said an investigation has been launched to determine how the illegal mine was operating despite the ban. “This was an unauthorised mining site. Accountability will be fixed, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” a senior district official said. Police have registered a case and are questioning contractors and local intermediaries suspected of running the operation.
The tragedy has sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders accusing authorities of turning a blind eye to illegal mining. “These deaths were preventable. Every such incident exposes systemic failure and exploitation of poor workers,” a senior opposition leader said.
Labour activists and environmental groups have once again called for stricter enforcement, rehabilitation of affected communities, and sustainable employment options to end dependence on illegal mining. They argue that repeated tragedies highlight the gap between policy and ground reality.
The state government has announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and promised medical support for injured workers. However, for families waiting outside the mine site, the assurances offer little comfort.
As the country mourns yet another mining disaster, the incident underscores a grim reality: until enforcement improves and safer livelihood options are created, rat-hole mining will continue to claim lives in silence beneath the ground.
