At least three persons were feared to have been killed after the 'tailing stack' of a mine collapsed at Cuddegal in Sanvordem in South Goa.
The incessant rains that have been battering the state for the last two days triggered the collapse around 8.30 pm.
The rescue work began late evening. The mine is owned by Sociedade Fomento company.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the number of casualties could be more. The company spokesman said that they are yet to ascertain the exact number of casualties.
Initial reports indicated that a Mineral Dressing Engineer, a security guard and another worker were trapped under the huge debris.
"The tailing stack wall contains aluminium and silica impurities," the spokesman said, adding that it was not a collapse of mine per se, but of the stack, which is piled up outside the mining site.
Eyewitnesses said that police have blocked all the roads leading to the site, as the heavy rains have made the rescue work difficult.