Death toll from China bridge collapse rises to 11

GUANGZHOU, May 4 -- The death toll from the collapse of an uncompleted bridge in south China's Guangdong Province has risen to 11 as of Sunday morning, said local authorities.

The stone arch bridge under construction in Liangkengkou village, Gaozhou City, collapsed at around 1 p.m. Saturday, said a publicity official of Gaozhou.

Rescuers pulled 27 people out of the debris, including five who were confirmed dead on the spot and eight others sustaining serious injuries, said the official, adding that six of the seriously wounded survivors later died in the hospital.

The unlicensed bridge was being built by the village itself. The local government ordered to suspend the project in April, but its construction resumed covertly during the past May Day holiday, said the official.

The construction contractor is under police custody.