Pakistan bridge collapse kills at least 23

At least 23 people were killed when a bridge collapsed during heavy rains in north-western Pakistan today, an official said.

About 200 people were standing on the bridge in Mardan, a small city about 30 miles west of Peshawar, when it suddenly gave way, district mayor Himayatullah Mayar said.

“Rescuers have found 23 bodies, and we fear that many others are still trapped under the debris,” he said.

Authorities had sought the army’s help to handle the tragedy, he added.