11 dead after school gym roof collapses in China

The collapse in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province was caused by construction workers illegally placing perlite - a form of volcanic glass - on the building's roof, state news agency Xinhua said.

Heavy rain then led the perlite to expand and increase in weight, causing the roof to collapse, it added.

"A total of 11 people died in the accident," state broadcaster CCTV said.

AMK/PR