KOZHIKODE: Two people were killed Tuesday when a mound of earth caved in on them at a laterite quarry near here at Cheruvady in Kozhikode.

The dead Abdul Rahman (48) and Vinu (35) were buried under the mass of mud, which caved in suddenly.

"We have registered a case under section 304 of the Indian Penal Code. The case has been registered against the land owner and three persons who runs the quarry.

We are looking into the allegations that the quarry was operating illegally," a police official said.

Eyewitnesses said the earth caved in due to wet soil.

Though they were rushed to the hospital, their lives could not be saved, police said.