NE China bridge collapses before opening to traffic

A bridge in the city of Fushun, northeast China's Liaoning Province, collapsed Monday evening, just one month before the bridge's scheduled opening to traffic.

A witness said that the collapse happened after a rainfall that occurred at about 5 p.m.

Initial investigation showed that the collapse was caused by workers' irregular operation, according to local government sources.

Several workers dismantled supporting facilities before reinforcing of a part of the bridge was completed, said the sources.

Construction on the bridge began in November 2011. The bridge was scheduled to be completed on July 30, according to a government plan.