Two children drown, three missing after Laos bridge collapsed

Two children died and three are missing after more than 50 students fell off a collapsed suspension bridge in northern Laos on their way to school, state-run media reported on Saturday.

Several ropes supporting the slatted wooden bridge in Luang Prabang province snapped, tipping the children, a teacher and motorcyclist into the Xeng River below, according to the state-run Vientiane Times.

“Two children have died, 52 people have been rescued and three children are missing,” the newspaper said.

The accident reportedly took place on Friday morning while the children were making their daily trek across the river to school.

The deputy governor of Viengkham district, Saykham Chanthoumma, told the Vientiane Times authorities were searching for the three remaining children by boat.