At least four miners were killed and five others injured after a mound of earth collapsed inside a coal mine near Meeting railway station in Sindh’s Thatta district on Thursday, rescue officials said.

The incident occurred near Jhirk when a large section of soil suddenly caved in inside the mine, trapping several workers under the debris.

According to police, the deceased were identified as Ziaullah, Noor Muhammad, Irfanullah and Sain Dad.

Initial reports said three of the deceased miners belonged to Swat, while one victim was a resident of an area near Meeting Station.

Five miners were also injured in the incident. The wounded were identified as Muhammad Hussain, Najeebullah, Malikzada, Naimatullah and Gul Hassan.

Rescue teams, assisted by local residents, carried out relief operations and recovered the bodies and injured workers from the collapsed mine.

The injured and deceased were shifted to Hyderabad for medical treatment and further procedures.

Police said an investigation into the incident was underway.