Panaji, July 16 (IANS) Three people were washed away, but later rescued in a mining-related accident in Goa Saturday, officials said.

A wall of a large mining dump, operated by the Vedanta Resources-owned Sesa Goa Private Limited at Bicholim, 30 km from here, containing millions of tonnes of rainwater cracked open flooding the nearby fields, district officials said.

Three people were washed away in the deluge but were saved from drowning by passers-by.

In a statement issued here, Sesa Goa said the incident occurred as a result of excessive rains.

"Today morning at the Bicholim mine, due to heavy rainfall (191 mm in 8 hours), bund of settling pond breached and the water has flowed into the adjoining areca-nut plantation and paddy fields," said M.K. Reddy, general manager at the Sesa Goa mine.

"The company is taking adequate steps to repair the breach and other necessary precautionary measures on an immediate basis," Reddy added.

Three people were drowned in a mining accident in Cuddegal in south Goa, some 50 km from here, earlier this month.