HANGZHOU, April 14 -- Two people were killed and another 15 injured after a climbing structure collapsed as visitors crowded to view a flower gala in east China's Zhejiang Province, local authorities said Tuesday.

The accident happened at 11:28 a.m. Tuesday in Cangnan County, Wenzhou City, as dozens of tourists climbed onto a climbing net on a wire frame to get a better view of a traditional performance, according to the Cangnan government.

The wire structure, used for outward bound programs, crumbled due to uneven stress, killing one on the spot. Another died after medical efforts failed. The injured have been rushed to hospital for treatment.

The cause is under further investigation.

When azalea flowers reach full bloom in the local mountains every April, Cangnan's annual gala attracts a large number of tourists each year. Local residents usually stage dazzling performances to liven up the gala.