A major rescue and relief operation is underway in Italy. Dozens are dead - after a section of a highway bridge collapsed. It happened in the city of Genoa during powerful storms. At least 30 vehicles were on the bridge at the time and came crashing down. CGTN's Phil Lavelle has more.

Like an 'apocalypse' is how one witness described it. From the air, a huge section of the Morandi Bridge 80 meters of it, simply gone. Fallen to the ground, and onto rail tracks below along with as many as 35 cars, and the people inside.

It was during a sudden, violent storm that this highway overpass finally gave out. One witness claiming it was struck by lightning. This, the moment part of it came crashing down, collapsing onto buildings and a railway in an industrial area of Genoa in northern Italy. 45 meters high, the bridge served as a major transport route between Italy and France. Likely even busier than normal as many headed away on the eve of an Italian public holiday.

MATTEO SALVINI ITALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER "Now is the moment of relief, intervention, work, sweat and prayer. But tonight will have to be the time to find out who was responsible, the names and surnames of those who are guilty of unacceptable deaths."

Officials say some trucks even ended up in the Polcevera River. Reports claim the bridge had undergone restructuring just two years ago. The highway's operator quoted as claiming it was constantly monitored. Nevertheless, there will be questions amid the anger and the grief as Italy mourns and the scale of this tragedy becomes clear. Phil Lavelle, CGTN, Washington.