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No steel used in collapsed bridge in China

China - 36 people killed in bridge collapse
China - 36 people killed in bridge collapse

A bridge that collapsed in China killing at least 36 people broke apart because there were apparently no steel reinforcement bars in the structure.

Rescuers are still searching for about 30 missing people following Monday's disaster on the 320m bridge, which was nearing completion across the Tuo River in Hunan province.

There is little hope of finding survivors and health authorities have been spraying disinfectant into the water to prevent the spread of disease from bodies moving down river.

Most parts of Fenghuang have had their water supplies cut off since the accident as the collapse of the bridge damaged water pipelines.

Police have detained a construction manager and a project supervisor for questioning.

Work safety and quality watchdogs were investigating the cause of the collapse, but a rescue worker said that the bridge was mainly built of stone and concrete.