3 dead after SW China landslide

CHENGDU -- Eight people have been pulled out of the debris of a landslide that toppled three houses Sunday afternoon in Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Three died en route to hospital and the other five were under emergency treatment in hospital, local government said.

Twelve people were estimated buried in the landslide that occurred at about 5 pm in Fenshui township in Xuyong county. More than 600 rescuers were racing against the clock to reach more survivors.

Of the 12 people, eight were local residents and four were renters, Tang Jie, the county head leading rescue efforts at the scene, told Xinhua.