Dozens Of People Feared Dead After Span Of Busy Highway Bridge Collapses In Italy

A highway bridge collapsed near the northern Italian port city of Genoa on Tuesday is seen in this picture released by the Italian Firefighters Press Office.

Reuters

Updated at 5 a.m. ET on Wednesday

A long section of the towering Ponte Morandi Bridge completely collapsed in Genoa, Italy, on Tuesday, sending cars and trucks on the A10 highway crashing down below. Dozens of people died in the bridge failure, officials say.

As news emerged from the chaotic scene, the death toll fluctuated several times Tuesday. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said there were 22 dead, according to public broadcaster Rai News. But Italy’s ANSA news agency has reported at least 37 people died, citing the fire brigade.