The structure of the Morandi bridge, on the A10 motorway in the city of Genoa, Italy, collapsed partially during the morning of Tuesday. Both carriageways have crashed to the ground.
Italian rescue authorities say at least 22 people have died including a baby and seven are in critical condition, according to Italian media.
The bridge will have collapsed in a stretch of about 200 meters, at a height of 100 meters, next to the warehouses Ansaldo Energia, Italy's leading energy production plants.
Relief workers and authorities are already on the scene to rescue victims on the road and have been hit in the wake of the accident.
Video shows moment when freeway bridge collapses.There are several people injured. Local hospitals are on high alert to receive the victims of this accident.
THE SECTION THAT COLLAPSED
According to the fire brigade, quoted by the Italian press, so far there are at least twenty vehicles involved in this accident. Videos showing Firefighters rescue victims on bridge collapse in Genoa, pictures show several cars destroyed.
THE BRIDGE BEFORE AND AFTER COLLAPSE
It would have been a structural failure which have caused the collapse. From the first information of firefighters and authorities. The bridge in question was built between 1963 and 1967. In recent days there has been bad weather with heavy rains in that locality.
Due to the heavy rains, it making it difficult for rescue workers to work. Meteorology services have issued a storm warning.
Due to the heavy rains, it making it difficult for rescue workers to work. Meteorology services have issued a storm warning.
RESCUE OPERATIONS
The viaduct runs through shopping centers, factories, a few houses, the Genoa-Milan railway line and the Polcevera River. Firefighters told the AP that there are concerns about the gas lines.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini referred to the occurrence on Twitter. "We are following minute by minute the situation of the collapse of the Genoa bridge, I now thank the 200 firefighters (and all the other heroes) who are already working to save lives," he said.
