Five workers died and four others suffered serious injuries after the Bahadurpur stone quarry collapsed in Birbhum district on Friday afternoon.

Police from the Nalhati police station arrived at the site shortly after being informed of the collapse.

According to police sources, prima facie a group of workers were extracting stones from the quarry when a section of it suddenly caved in, burying nine people.

Rescue efforts were immediately initiated by other workers in the area.

The bodies of five workers were recovered from the debris, while four others were rescued but were said to be critical.

The injured were rushed to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital.

A driver named Nazirul Sheikh, who helped take the injured to the hospital, said he received a call around 2pm and rushed to the scene.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse and to verify if the quarry was operating in accordance with safety regulations.

Authorities are also continuing to search the site to ensure no other workers are trapped

Family members of the victims and the injured, meanwhile, have gathered at the hospital.