A mechanical structure collapsed at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, killing six miners, an official said on Friday.
The tragedy occured at the tri-junction of Dienshalalu, Sarkari and Rymbai villages late Thursday, Deputy Commissioner E Kharmalki said.
“Altogether six persons were killed. While the workers were digging a hole in the mine the mechanical structure got dismantled following which they fell into a pit and died,” he said.
Five of the deceased have been identified, the official said, adding, most of them are from neighbouring Assam.
Police have lodged a case against the employer and investigation is under way.
