12 dead, over 30 missing after bridge in north China collapses

A bridge collapse caused by torrential rain in northern China has killed 12 people and left more than 30 missing, state media said on July 20.

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Large parts of northern and central China have been battered in recent days by rain that has caused flooding and significant damage.

The bridge over a river in Shaanxi province's Shangluo buckled at around 8.40pm on July 19 "due to a sudden downpour and flash floods", state news agency Xinhua said, citing the provincial public relations department.

State broadcaster CCTV said nearly 20 vehicles and more than 30 people remained missing after the highway bridge collapsed into the river below.

All 12 victims were found inside five vehicles recovered from the water, the broadcaster said.

Images on state TV showed a partially submerged section of the bridge with the river water rushing over it.