Two Nepalis among 18 Killed in Mine Explosion in India's Meghalaya

Two Nepali brothers were among those killed in an explosion at an illegally operated rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya, India, on Thursday, February 5.

The victims were identified as Purna Bahadur Khapangi Magar, 27, and Surendra Khapangi Magar, 24, of Salghari Bhanjyang, Barahapokhari Rural Municipality–1 in Khotang district. They were the sons of Khadga Bahadur Khapangi Magar and Tanka Kumari Khapangi Magar, local resident Shiva Kumar Shrestha told the state-owned news agency Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS).

At least 18 people were killed in the blast, suspected to have been caused by dynamite, at around 11 a.m. local time, according to media reports. Activists told the BBC that rat-hole mining continues in the state despite a blanket ban.

Four other Nepalis — Bom Bahadur Khapangi Magar, Karna Bahadur Khapangi Magar and Nara Bahadur Khapangi Magar of Khotang, and Lalit Bahadur Magar of Udayapur — were injured in the incident.

Of the seven-member group that had travelled to Meghalaya for work, only Tara Bal Magar of Walampa, Barahapokhari, escaped unhurt. He informed relatives about the incident.

“The four injured have been rescued and taken to the hospital,” said Tara Bal. “But, they are in a serious condition.”

The BBC, citing authorities, reported that it was still unclear how many more workers might be trapped underground.

The Nepali workers had reportedly left home for Meghalaya on December 18, 2025.

Expressing his sympathies to the families of the victims, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of INR 200,000 (Rs 320,000) for the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 (RS 80,000) for the injured.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, The Hindu reported. He also said that the government has announced an ex gratia of INR 300,000 (Rs 480,000) for the next of kin of each deceased mine worker.

(With inputs from RSS)