China’s economy is continuing to grow at breakneck speed but – as these pictures show – the giant nation’s infrastructure is quite literally buckling under the strain.

At least three people were killed and five injured when this motorway bridge in Heilongjiang province in north east China collapsed today sending four huge trucks crashing 100ft to the ground below.

The tragedy comes after what is claimed to be the world’s largest ‘sofa chair’ was unveiled in Shanghai – showcasing the more positive side of China’s incredible economic growth.

The bridge collapse is one of a number of horrifying accidents on China’s expanding road and rail networks in recent years – leading to fears that safety is being sacrificed for the speed of construction.

Four trucks crashed to the ground, crushing there occupants and sending their loads spilling across the ground.

The tragedy comes just ten months after the multimillion pound roadway was constructed and was one of two transport disasters to hit the province this week, with a train crash at a railway station on Thursday also injuring at least 24 people.

Xinhua news agency said it was at least the sixth major bridge collapse across the country since July last year – fuelling fears over the safety of China’s fast-expanding infrastructure.

– Daily Mail