HAVANA, January 25 (RIA Novosti) - At least 12 people were killed and 20 injured after a mine in Ecuador’s southern province of Asuai caved in, CRE radio station reported citing a local government official.

“As of now we have information on 12 dead and 20 injured,” the official said adding that the number of victims may increase as rescue works continue at the scene of the accident.

Rescuers say that the tragedy could be caused by heavy rains that hit the country’s south on Thursday.

There was no information on the number of miners working below the ground at the time of the accident.

The rescue operation involves some 200 soldiers and policemen, several helicopters and construction machinery to clear the debris.