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The death toll of a collapsed structure on a construction site in south China’s Guangdong province has risen to 18. Another 33 are injured with 18 hospitalized.

An aerial view of the collapsed structure in south China’s Guangdong province is pictured here on April 13, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

The temporary structure collapsed after being hit by a crane on Wednesday morning in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

Local officials said the accident occurred at around 5:40 a.m. and an area of about 200 square meters was covered by the collapsed structure, which 139 workers appear to have been using as a dormitory.

An initial investigation showed the crane was blown over in a gale.

More than 200 firefighters are searching for those still buried and 40 fire engines are on hand.