CHONGQING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- An accident in a mine in southwest China's Chongqing municipality has killed seven miners, and injured three others, local authorities said Saturday.

The accident happened at about 6:07 p.m. when the connecting device of a skip broke apart, causing the skip to slide down the inclined shaft. Seven miners working in the shaft were killed.

The three injured miners, including one seriously injured, have been rushed to a hospital.

Investigation is underway.