Most tourists rescued after bridge overturns in C China

CHANGSHA - At least 15 of some 20 people were rescued after they fell into a river from an overturned suspension bridge at a popular tourist town in central China on Wednesday night.

About 40 people, who returned from a bonfire party, were on the bridge when the accident happened at around 9:10 pm in Fenghuang county, Hunan province, the county's deputy head Cai Long told Xinhua over the phone.

A suspension bridge overturns in Fenghuang county, a tourist town in Central China's Hunan province, May 1, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Some 20, including children and elderly people, fell into the 1.2-meter-deep river water, Cai said, citing eyewitnesses.

A total of 15 people managed to climb onto the river bank on their own. Search and rescue work is still underway, Cai said.

The county authorities have ordered all hotels and inns in Fenghuang to check if all the guests have returned.

All bonfire parties and other leisure programs in the town have been suspended for safety checkups.

Wednesday marks the end of the three-day May Day holiday.