Karbala: Two people were killed and several injured when a section of a bridge under construction collapsed in southern Iraq.

The incident occurred late on Saturday, with the rescue operation extending over 13 hours.

Rescue workers, including an AFP photographer, worked until morning to free individuals trapped beneath the collapsed structure on the main Karbala-Baghdad road.

According to Karbala's civil defense agency, seven people were rescued and two bodies recovered from under the wreckage.

A health official in Karbala reported that at least six people were injured, including nationals from Syria and Afghanistan.

All the injured were transported to a hospital in Karbala, which serves as a destination for Shiite pilgrims visiting holy shrines.

The health official explained that the bridge's pillars collapsed while several vehicles were passing underneath it.

As Iraq continues its path towards stability after decades of conflict, infrastructure projects such as new bridges are emerging across regions like Baghdad.

However, safety standards in construction sectors have often been overlooked, leading to a history of accidents and fires.

In July, over 60 lives were lost due to a fire at a newly opened shopping mall in Kut.

The recent bridge collapse highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in Iraq's burgeoning construction industry.