Advertisement

At least 10 killed in Indian coal mine collapse

The scene of the collapse. Credit: APTN

At least 10 people have been killed and 13 others may be trapped after a coal mine collapsed in north-eastern India.

The bodies of 10 workers have been recovered, but 13 more have been reported missing.

A rescue operation is underway following the cave-in during a shift change late on Thursday evening in Lalmatia in the state of Jharkhand.

Heavy smog initially prevented rescue workers from entering the mine until early on Friday morning.

People gather at the scene as a digger works to clear rubble. Credit: APTN

S.K. Singh, general manager of the Rajmahal Open Cast Mines, said only 10 vehicles were operating inside the mine at the time and company safety rules call for only one worker per vehicle.

The cause of the collapse is being investigated.