21 workers were buried after a tunnel under construction collapsed in Longyan city, East China's Fujian province on Friday morning, Dec 5.

The accident happened at the Houci Tunnel, which is situated on the Juzhou section of the Xiamen-Chengdu Highway, with 21 workers inside.

Firefighters, paramedics and armed police rushed to the scene, where mechanical diggers are racing against time excavating debris to reach the trapped workers.

Experts are studying rescue plans.

You Ye, vice mayor of Longyan, is also at the site coordinating rescue efforts.

A tunnel on the Juzhou section of the Xiamen-Chengdu Highway collapsed  in Longyan city, Fujian province, Dec 5. 21 workers are trapped inside.[Photo/weibo.com/sunnews]

A tunnel on the Juzhou section of the Xiamen-Chengdu Highway collapsed in Longyan city, Fujian province, Dec 5. 21 workers are trapped inside.[Photo/weibo.com/sunnews]