Severe weather blamed for collapse of lounge bridge

HANGZHOU - The collapse of a bridge in East China's Zhejiang province was caused by severe weather, local authorities said early Saturday.

Eight people were confirmed dead and three others injured in the incident that took place at about 7:40 pm Friday in Tonglu county of Hangzhou city, the county government said.

Meteorological data showed that winds of up to 88 kilometers per hour hit the county when the incident happened.

All casualties were elderly villagers, said Zhu Xiaodong, a village official.

Further investigation is under way.