India, Sept. 13 -- Three people were killed and several others are feared to be trapped after an illegal coal mine collapsed in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand on Sunday morning, Vimalesh Chaubey, Regional President of the National Colliery Mazdoor Union, said.

The collapse occurred around 7 a.m. at Keshalpur Kumharpatti, under the Ramkanali OP area of Katras in Dhanbad district.

Chaubey said several men and women had entered the illegal mine tunnel to cut and collect coal when the roof of the tunnel suddenly caved in, leaving multiple people buried under the debris.

"Some men and women had gone into the illegal tunnel to cut and pick coal. The upper part of the tunnel suddenly collapsed, burying several people under the debris. Followin...