Italian bridge collapses in Genoa, police say

Several vehicles plummeted to the ground as a raised highway in Genoa crumbled during a sudden and violent storm, sending rescuers on a desperate search for survivors in an incident Italian officials said was likely "an immense tragedy."

About a 650-feet section of the Morandi bridge, part of the A10 highway, collapsed over an industrial zone just after 12 p.m., private broadcaster Sky TG24 said. About 10 vehicles were involved, though officials did not immediately confirm the number of casualties and injuries.

"We are following minute by minute the situation of the bridge collapse in Genoa," Interior Minister Matteo Salvini wrote on Twitter.

A rescue mission was underway. ANSA reported at least one person was rescued alive from the rubble.

About 10 vehicles were involved in the bridge collapse. (Italian state police)

A witness tweeted he feared there may be victims. Video captured the sound of a man screaming: "Oh god, oh, god."

Italy's transport minister Danilo Toninelli told reporters the bridge collapse is likely to be "an immense tragedy."

Images posted by state police and witnesses showed a huge section of the bridge missing. Parts of the structure also landed on the rooftops of nearby buildings.

The bridge was built in the 1960s and stands about 328 feet tall. It's an interchange between the northern regions of Lombardy and Piedmont and the beaches of Liguria.

Vehicles were crushed under the rubble after the bridge in Genoa collapsed. (Italian state police)

The exact cause of the collapse is unclear, though authorities suspect structural weakness was the cause of the collapse, ANSA reported. Firefighters said they are concerned about gas lines in the area.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Katherine Lam is a breaking and trending news digital producer for Fox News. Follow her on Twitter at @bykatherinelam

Let's block ads! (Why?)