KUCHING: Two men were pulled out alive from a deep pit after the area in which they were illegally carrying out gold mining activities in Gunung Tabai, Bau, about 40 kilometres from here collapsed this morning.

A third victim is still missing in the rubble, Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department Khirudin Drahman said.

He said the department received a distress call at 9.10 am, after which a rescue team was dispatched to the scene.

He said the operation was risky as rescuers had to deal with rubble and depth up to 92 metres.

After finding a safer access route, the team used the 'shoring' method to rescue two of the victims, he said.

The search for the third victim is ongoing, Khirudin added.

--BERNAMA