BBC NEWS | South Asia | Three dead in Indian mine collapse

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Thursday, 10 October, 2002, 16:52 GMT 17:52 UK

Authorities in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand say at least three people died when an abandoned coal mine collapsed on them on Thursday.

They said 20 people are still trapped in the mine near Bokaro.

Some others have been able to escape.

The incident took place when 40 villagers entered the abandoned mine to extract coal illegally.

Officials say the mine might have caved in because of overcrowding.

The police said a rescue operation was continuing.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service