At least ten people have been killed with dozens feared trapped after a mine collapsed at an Indian government-owned complex in Godda district.

#Jharkhand: Over 40 workers feared trapped in #Lalmatia mine collapse https://t.co/SwBjtdkB7B pic.twitter.com/Hc6t3FbJlt— Deccan Herald (@TheDeccanHerald) December 30, 2016


Emergency services say the disaster was caused by a mudslide, which smothered the entrance.

The accident happened on Thursday evening, but thick smog prevented rescue teams from entering the pit until early Friday morning.

PM expresses sadness over loss of lives in coal mine accident in Jharkhand https://t.co/JzuOXb8sLk
via NMApp pic.twitter.com/HHZJFoRsqC— Amit Mishra (@amitkalraj) December 30, 2016


The mine is in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand home to some of India’s largest mines.

The area has a poor safety record and security standards are routinely ignored.

4 workers injured in mine roof collapse in Jharkhandhttps://t.co/gIbrGAd6uP pic.twitter.com/QmJftRvz8L— Eenadu India (@Eenadu_English) December 30, 2016


Authorities expect the number of fatalities to rise.