Four people have been killed and several are feared trapped after a landslide at a mining quarry in Haryana's Bhiwani on Saturday, 1 January.
Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij took to Twitter to say he was deeply saddened by the accident, and added that rescue operations were underway.
He said that an SDRF team had been called in, as well as an army unit from Hisar.
Cabinet Minister JP Dalal said that three or four more people could be trapped inside, according to The Indian Express.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said he was in constant touch with the local administration.
"Saddened by the unfortunate landslide accident at Dadam mining zone of Bhiwani. I am in constant touch with the local administration to ensure swift rescue operations and immediate assistance to the injured," Khattar said in a tweet.
Jai Parkash Dalal, the Agriculture Minister of Haryana, visited the site of the landslide.
"Some people have died. I cannot provide the exact figures as of now. A team of doctors has arrived. We will try to save as many people as possible," he said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
The Haryana authorities are yet to officially comment on the cause of the landslide.
Police said that around half a dozen dumper trucks and some machines were buried under the debris. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Siwani) Manoj Kumar told Hindustan Times that four to five people might be trapped. Locals, however, claimed that this number could be higher.
Former chief minister and leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanded that there be a judicial inquiry into the incident. "Even the Supreme Court has made a serious remark on this matter, and illegal mining is being done in this area, flouting all the rules. But the government is not conducting a fair investigation," he said, in a statement.
(With inputs from The Indian Express, Hindustan Times)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)