Children die in Peru bridge break

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At least seven schoolchildren and two teachers have been killed in Peru after a bridge collapsed, sending them plunging 70m (230ft) down a ravine.

Dozens of others were hurt in the tragedy in the Andean city of Coracora.

Local officials say some of the injured have suffered fractured skulls and may have to be treated in the capital, Lima, about 600km (370 miles) away.

The footbridge, made from wooden slats and steel cables, snapped under the weight of the people, police said.

Helicopters are on standby to help evacuate those who need emergency care.

"We've suffered a grave accident, a suspension bridge that goes to a high school has fallen, it has broken in two, and we have a large number of students injured and dead," Mayor Walter Antayhua told local media.

It is thought most of the children involved are aged between 10 and 13.

They were returning home from school when the bridge collapsed.

Ernesto Molina, governor of the Ayacucho province, said 70 people had been wounded - 30 of them were "quite serious" and five "extremely serious".