The death toll from a bridge collapse in east China’s Jiangsu Province has risen to five after the bodies of three previously missing people were recovered, local authorities said on Tuesday.

The accident occurred at 5:46 p.m. on Monday in the city of Yancheng, when a bridge that was under construction suddenly collapsed. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, launching a large-scale search and rescue operation involving firefighters, medical teams and local authorities.

Officials said search efforts have now been largely concluded, as all missing individuals have been accounted for. Several people were injured in the incident and received medical treatment, though authorities have not released updated details on their conditions.

In an updated statement, local officials said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the collapse. Construction at the site has been suspended, and authorities are examining whether safety regulations and construction standards were properly followed.

China’s emergency management authorities have urged local governments to conduct safety inspections on infrastructure projects, particularly those under construction, to prevent similar incidents. The collapse has renewed public attention on construction safety amid ongoing urban development across the country.

Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. (ILKHA)