Italian bridge collapse leaves 22 dead, dozens injured in 'apocalyptic' scene

At least 22 are dead after a bridge collapsed in the Italian city of Genoa on Tuesday, Italy's deputy prime minister told Reuters.

A harsh storm in the northern Italian city likely caused the raised highway to collapse, creating what "looks like an immense tragedy," Italy's transport minister wrote on Twitter. Tons of concrete and steel fell onto buildings, cars, and an industrial site below, raising concern about gas leaks, per The Associated Press.

At least 20 vehicles were involved in the crash, and rescuers have already pulled two people alive from the rubble, Italian news agency ANSA reported. Search dogs and around 200 firefighters are combing for more victims, though torrential rain is slowing efforts, The New York Times reported. It's an "apocalyptic scene," a witness told Sky Italia, per Reuters.

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The bridge had previously shown "signs of problems," Italy's deputy transport minister told the Times. The bridge was restructured in 2016, and its foundation was being strengthened and constantly monitored at the time of the collapse, Reuters said.