The number of injuries and full death toll wasn’t immediately clear. Firefighters and canine units have been activated, authorities said.
“Firefighters together with the sanitary workers are pulling out patients, someone has already arrived in the hospital,” Bermano added. “We are working but at this moment we do not yet have the full size of the problem.”
A violent storm Tuesday morning preceded the collapse and is being considered as a cause.
Lawmaker Sergio Battelli posted a video of the scene online. In a tweet, he called it “a tragedy of immense proportions.”
“We are following minute-by-minute the situation of the collapse of the Genoa bridge, I thank the 200 Firemen (and all the other heroes) who are already working to save lives,” Italian interior minister Matt Salvini tweeted.
The bridge, built in the 1960s, is also called the “Brooklyn Bridge” due to its resemblance to the famous New York City landmark. It’s about 150 feet tall and 3,877 feet long.
French President Emmanuel Macron said his country is ready to send help.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and all the Italian people,” Macron tweeted. “France is on the side of Italy in this tragedy and stands ready to provide all the necessary support.”
