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We're starting in the European nation of Italy where tragedy struck in the northwestern city of Genoa yesterday. It's where a major section of a highway bridge collapsed at about noon time. And though Italian officials say it's unlikely that anyone who is underneath the bridge when that happened, traffic was flowing across it.
Italy's Civil Protection Agency says around 30 vehicles and several heavy duty trucks were in the affected area. And as of last night, officials had confirmed that at least 26 people have been killed and 16 people were injured. The Morandi Bridge is made out of concrete. It opened in 1968.
It's part of a major highway for residents and tourists. The bridge helps link the Italian Coast with the French cities to the west. One eyewitness said he thought he saw lightening hit the bridge shortly before it collapsed.
Police say violent storms were partly responsible but maintenance on the bridge was also taking place when it gave way. Authorities believe the collapse was due to a structural failure. Exactly what kind and what factors led to that will be investigated in the days ahead.
