Tragedy unfolded today when a bridge suddenly collapsed, sending around 20 people, including children, into the sea near the Russian city of Vladivostok. Reports said there was “panic” in the water and on the shore as victims struggled to reach safety. There were fears people could have become trapped underwater after the rickety, unrepaired bridge gave way at Big Tavaisa Bay, a popular seaside spot on Russia’s Sea of Japan coast.

The unrepaired structure, dubbed a “Bridge to Nowhere”, a known hazard built as a pier at a popular beach, collapsed in the water while it was being used by children to jump and dive into the sea. One report said: "Adults and children were screaming, and passersby rushed to help, pulling the injured onto the shore."

One boy reportedly lost a toe in the collapse, while a girl was rescued after choking on seawater and beginning to drown. She was dragged back to the beach, where emergency resuscitation was carried out.

Four people were reported injured, SHOT media outlet reports, with the child victims said to be aged 14, 15 and 16.

Another report said: “Men are continuing to dive near the bridge, searching to see if anyone else is still trapped underwater.”

The incident happened at Big Tavaisa Bay, a small inlet on Russia’s Sea of Japan coast near Vladivostok, which opens into Ussuri Bay in the Peter the Great Gulf.

Swimming had reportedly been banned because of the presence of dangerous jellyfish, while access to the bridge was also prohibited.

Russian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the collapse of the structure