Shillong, Mar 16 : Eight workers were killed after being trapped inside a coal mine that caved in at Rongsa Awe in Meghalaya's Garo Hills District.

According to police officials, rescue workers recovered the bodies.

Meanwhile, the state government has called for scientific methods of mining to avoid such incidents.

Police officials said the delay in tracing the minors was because of a possibility that the mine might cave in further if heavy machinery was used to remove the debris.

Seven coal miners were killed on March 27, 2003, when the cave they were working in collapsed at Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills district.

Coal is mined mainly in parts of Lad Sutnga, Bapung, Lad Rymbai and Khliehriat areas of Jaintia Hills, Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills and Shallang, Langrin and Borsora in West Khasi Hills. (ANI)