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French bridge collapses near Toulouse, killing girl, 15 French bridge collapses near Toulouse, killing girl, 15
(about 3 hours later)
A 15-year-old girl has been killed and several other people are believed missing after a suspension bridge collapsed in south-western France.A 15-year-old girl has been killed and several other people are believed missing after a suspension bridge collapsed in south-western France.
Several vehicles fell into the River Tarn north of Toulouse when the bridge near the village of Mirepoix-sur-Tarn fell down at around 08:00 (07:00 GMT).Several vehicles fell into the River Tarn north of Toulouse when the bridge near the village of Mirepoix-sur-Tarn fell down at around 08:00 (07:00 GMT).
Four people were rescued and the river is still being searched for others who may be missing. Four people were rescued and the river is still being searched for others not accounted for.
An investigation into the causes of the incident has been opened.An investigation into the causes of the incident has been opened.
At least 60 emergency services personnel have been working at the scene. At least 60 emergency services personnel were deployed to the scene.
The bridge, 155m (170 yards) long and almost 7m wide, was renovated in 2003 by Haute-Garonne council. At least one truck, a car and potentially a van were caught in the disaster. A search is still on for the driver of the truck.
The number of vehicles involved has been disputed, but includes at least one truck, a car and potentially a van. Witnesses have told the BBC that a school bus crossed less than a minute before the structure collapsed.
Georges Méric, president of the regional council, said he would go to the scene to be with the victims, their relatives and the emergency services. How safe was the bridge?
Eric Oget, mayor of Mirepoix-sur-Tarn, has suggested warnings about the bridge's weight restriction - displayed at either side of the crossing - might have been ignored by drivers.
"From time to time I have actually seen very heavy vehicles using the bridge," Mr Oget told the BBC.
"We have always been vigilant in carrying out checks with the municipal police, to stop them when we see it, but there are times when we do not see them."
The bridge, 155m (170 yards) long and almost 7m wide, was renovated in 2003 by Haute-Garonne council and last inspected late last year, said Georges Meric, chairman of the council.
Some 25,000 bridges around France are in need of urgent repair work, according to a Senate report from June.