A bridge collapsed in eastern South Africa, leaving six people dead and five others seriously hurt, local media reported early Tuesday.

The tragedy occurred in the eastern Mpumalanga province as the bridge on the road R65 suddenly collapsed due to heavy rains Monday night, the South African Press Association reported, citing local safety department.

Local safety department spokesperson Joseph Mabuza said three vehicles crashed into the broken bridge. However, the spokesperson did not disclose the number of occupants in the vehicles.

It was reported that among the plunged vehicles was a taxi with passengers.

The bridge was swept away by flood water shortly before 9:00 p.m. local time, according to the report.

The spokesperson said some people were still missing while the search and rescue operation was underway.

In January 2011, a bridge collapsed in Mpumalanga province, but no casualties were reported.