“I was convinced it was going to end badly but thank God I’ve lived to tell the tale.”

At least 38 people have been confirmed dead following the disaster, which the Italian transport minister has called an “immense tragedy”.

The dead include at least one child, according to the Corriere newspaper, quoting the Interior Ministry.

At least 16 people have been injured, but the figures are expected to rise.

What caused the collapse is still unknown and prosecutors said they were opening an investigation into the disaster.

Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli called the incident “unacceptable” and said “whoever made a mistake must pay” if negligence is found to be a factor in the collapse.

Witnesses said they heard a roar as the 45-metre bridge collapsed in torrential rain during midday traffic.

Authorities said at least 30 cars and three heavy duty vehicles were on the 80-metre section of the bridge that collapsed.

More than 300 rescue workers and dog crews have been sent to the scene as the search for survivors continues.

Sky News