Nine people have been confirmed died and 11 others injured since an expressway bridge in central China's Henan Province partially collapsed Friday morning after a truck exploded on it, according to CCTV.

China National Radio earlier reported that the truck was loaded with firecrackers.

There were conflicting reports about the number of deaths. Earlier reports said 26 were killed, but local police later told China News Service that 11 were confirmed dead.

The latest report from Xinhua showed eight people have been confirmed dead and 13 others injured. Six people died at the scene of the accident, while two others died on the way to the hospital. Of the 13 injured, at least four are in serious condition.

The explosion, which occurred around 8:52 am, caused at least 25 vehicles to tumble from the bridge in Mianchi County, according to Xinhua.

The bridge is part of the Lianyungang-Khorgas Expressway. It connects the cities of Lianyungang in east China and Khorgas in northwest Xinjiang on the border with Kazakhstan.

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