Malaysian bridge fall kills one

A suspension bridge in Perak state in northern Malaysia has collapsed, killing at least one child.

Another 19 fell into the river but were rescued; two more are missing and a search by rescue services continues.

A further 20 who were on the bridge managed to avoid falling into the water by clinging onto the structure.

The state news agency Bernama reported that the 50-metre bridge had only been completed two weeks ago, replacing another bridge which had collapsed.

The chief Minister of Perak state Zambry Abdul Kadir said the bridge's support beams had fallen late on Monday evening and authorities were investigating whether it had been built to proper specifications.

One student, K Mathivanan, aged 12, told Bernama that the bridge at Kuala Dipang, Kampar, suddenly collapsed after some children jumped on it.

"Suddenly we were thrown into the river, but I managed to hold on to a rope," the pupil said.

"The currents were strong but I pulled my body up."

The children were part of a group of nearly 300 from 60 primary schools in Kampar, Tronoh and Batu Gajah in Perak state, who were camping in a village 200km (120 miles) north of the capital, Kuala Lumpur.