JOHANNESBURG -- 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 rain on 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.

Some people were still missing while the search and rescue operation was underway, said the report.