At least six have died and 10 more reported missing after a huge sinkhole opened on a Chinese street, swallowing a bus and a number of people.
State media said the incident happened at about 5.30pm on Monday in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province.
Around 16 people have been taken to hospital.
Footage shown by broadcaster CCTV in
China included people running away from the scene – a bus stop outside a hospital – as the ground beneath the bus began to give way.
Images and video footage showed the bus falling into the hole, followed by a flash and smoke.
The cause is under investigation and search and rescue teams are still looking for casualties, but say it is not known how many people were on the bus at the time.
Xinhua said more than 1,000 rescue workers and 30 vehicles have been dispatched to the scene.
The hole is believed to stretch about 10m in diameter and people who tried to rescue bus passengers were swept into it as it rapidly expanded, according to reports.
Sinkholes are common in China, and their appearance is often blamed on rapid construction and development across the country.Related... How To Find Out If Your House Will Be Swallowed By A Sinkhole 300ft Chasm Opens Just Yards From Cornwall Home Residents Affected By Main Burst 'Should Get Water Back By Sunday Night'