France accident: A dead at bridge collapse

Near Toulouse, a road bridge collapsed. A girl was killed. At least two cars crashed into the river. Rescue workers are looking for more victims.

The collapse of a road bridge north of Toulouse has killed a 15-year-old, according to the authorities. Several people were injured. "The bridge has collapsed completely, we know with certainty that two vehicles crashed, a third vehicle was seen," said a spokesman for the fire department the station BFMTV.

Accident cause still unclear

According to the fire department at least nine people were injured, two of them were in mortal danger. Around 80 task forces were on site, and three helicopters were in action. Several people would be missing. The bridge collapsed between 8 am and 8.30 am, according to the regional newspaper La Depeche du Midi. Accordingly, a truck drove onto the bridge, which was heavier than allowed.

The fire department called on motorists to avoid the area. The 150 meter long and five meter wide suspension bridge connected the villages of Mirepoix-sur-Tarn and Bessieres. It was built in 1935 and renovated in 2003.

Photos of rescue workers were seen searching for victims with rubber dinghies on the river. Also divers were in use. The middle part of the suspension bridge was completely under water.