7 Children Die as Rust-Eaten Bridge in Dasmarinas Collapses

Seven children were killed in the Philippines after a disused bridge they were playing on collapsed and plunged them into a river, local officials said Thursday.

The accident happened Tuesday night in Dasmarinas City, 40 kilometers south of the capital Manila.

It took personnel from the police, fire brigade, coastguard and other emergency services two days to retrieve the bodies of the boys and girls, who were aged 12 to 17.

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Photos posted on the Facebook page of Dasmarinas City Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga showed emergency personnel searching the Imus river. 

Barzaga said five were hurt, seven were found dead while one remained missing.

A rust-eaten metal truss remained suspended about 10 meters (33 feet) above the water.

The rescue official told AFP the single-lane bridge was built decades ago, but had been closed to traffic for years due to safety concerns.

It became a popular meeting place for local youth.