Five workers were killed when the cable of a glass-encased lift carrying them snapped, plunging them into a steep embankment at a resort in Bali.

The two men and three women, who worked as housekeeping staff at the Ayuterra Resort, were riding the lift when the cable broke and sent them 300ft down a ravine on September 1 afternoon.

Two people died at the scene, while the other three died at the hospital. They were identified by officers as Kadek Hardiyani, 24, Sang Putu Bayu Adi Krisna, 19, Ni Luh Supernigsih, 20, I Wayan Aries Setiawan, 23, and Kadek Yanti Pradewi, 19, all from Indonesia.

Gianyar Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Adjunct Police Commissioner Ario Seno Wimoko, said: 'The victims suffered serious injuries in vital parts such as heavy impact wounds to the head.'

The Instagram-famous lift was used by both tourists and staff to reach the upper levels of the resort's hotel.

Authorities said they were investigating the cause of the accident, as well as the resort's security measures.

The resort owner Linggawati Utomo, 60, said he will cover the funeral costs for all victims. The bereaved families were reported to have been paid around 4,000 USD to refrain from taking legal action against the resort.