In a tragic incident, at least six people were killed when a mine Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district collapsed on Friday.

According to the Deputy Commissioner E Kharmalki, the incident took place late on Thursday at a mining site near Dienshalalu, Sarkari and Rymbai villages.

"Altogether, six persons were killed. While the workers were digging a hole in the mine, suddenly the mechanical structure dismantled following which they fell into a pit and died," he said.

Five of the six deceased have been identified, the official said, adding, most of them are from neighbouring Assam.

Kharmalki said it was not clear yet whether the workers were engaged in coal mining or stone mining activities.

Police has lodged a case against the employer and investigation is underway.

In December 2018, 15 people were killed in a similar mine accident in the state.

With PTI inputs