A roof collapse at a coal mine in southwest China's Guizhou Province in the early hours of Friday has killed five miners and left two others missing.

The accident occurred around 12:45 a.m. at the privately owned Wantian Coal Mine in Liupanshui City, according to sources with the work safety authorities.

Rescuers are continuing their search for the missing.

It is not immediately known how many workers were underground at the time of the cave-in.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.