China mountain collapse toll estimated at 19, five missing

Beijing: A mountain collapse in Leshan City in China's Sichaun province has killed at least 19 people were killed and five others are reported to be.China's local authorities said.

Some are said to be missing too. "The mountain collapse happened in Leshan city and as of now 14 people have been killed while 5 others remained missing. Rescue operation is on," a senior official from the publicity department said.

The collapse took place at around 6 a.m. in a forest farm in Yongsheng Township, Jinkouhe District of the city, Xinhua news agency reported.

More than 600 people rushed to the site for rescue and search with the help of professional rescue equipment.

The rescue operation ended at 8 p.m. on Sunday.

An investigation into the cause of the mountain collapse is underway.

(With IANS inputs)

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