Five villagers found dead in an abandoned gold mine in southwest China's Guizhou Province were likely killed by toxic gas, local government officials said Thursday.

The five -- all residents of Xiongwu Township, Xingyi City -- reportedly ventured into the sealed mine Tuesday and remained missing ever since.

Acting on the families' report, the local government organized rescue. The bodies were found after rescuers entered the mine.

Police are investigating the deaths.