15 dead in tractor-truck collision in NE China

Fifteen people have been confirmed dead and another injured after a tractor collided with a truck in the city of Qitaihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Saturday morning, according to the local authority.

The identities of 15 victims have been confirmed, while the injured has been sent to a local hospital.

The Ministry of Public Security has sent a team to direct an investigation and subsequent work. It also ordered relevant local departments to look into the accident immediately.

More measures will be taken to improve road safety in rural areas and stop the illegal use of agricultural vehicles to carry people, said the provincial government.

An investigation into the accident's cause is underway.